1 1800, 




M 



aass-p44 

BookJil-Sj. 



HISTORY 3573 



TOWN OF DUNBARTON 



MERRIMACK COUNTY, 



NEW -HAMPSHIRE. 



FROM THE 



GRANT BY MASON\S ASSIGNS, IN 1751, 



THE YEAR 1860. 



BY CALEB S'l^ 


ARK. 




i 




CONCORD: 






PUBLISHED BY G. PAK 


KEK 


LYO^' 


1880. 






^^> 







Entered according to an act of Cungres?, in the year 18G0. 

By Calkb Stark, 

111 th" (Jlerk's Office uf the District Court of ^S'ew-IIainp.sliire. 



M I'AULAND .V JKNK>, riilNTERS. 



K1:I;ATA. — I'age 27, for Kobcrt Mack rciid Kobcrt Stark. Page 7!>. 
Inr iiii/icii/ua! I'cad loulivhlaf. Page 183, for B. W. AVciit-\vurth read I>. 

WelitWnl-th. 



TO OUR READERS 



A principal object in collecting the materials arranged in 
this publication was to obtain information relative to our 
native town, by an inspection of its public records. 

The interest created by their perusal determined us to em- 
body their contents, with an intention of publishing the result 
of our researches, should that design be countenanced by a 
subscription sufficiently large to justify the experiment. 

At the adjourned annual meeting of the present year, the 
question of publication was decided by a vote, granting one 
copy to each tax-payer in town.* 

Every inhabitant will, in consequence, be enabled to peruse 
a summary account of the settlement and progress of their 
now flourishing location, amidst whose formerly dense forests 
their adventurous ancestors established their abodes, without 
the trouble of tracing particulars through the records one 
hundred and nine years. 

To the inhabitants of Dunbarton, for whose consideration 
it is particularly intended, this Production is respectfully in- 
scribed by their often 

Obliged friend and 

Most obedient servant, 

The Author. 

* Vote of the Town. Voted, That the selectmen appropriate a suffi- 
cient sum of money to procure for each tax-payer in town a copy of the 
History of Dunbarton, now being written by Caleb Stark. 

A true copy — Attest: Charles Kimball, Town-Clerk. 

The foregoina; is a copy of a vote passed March 17th, 1860, at a meet- 
ing of the inhabitants of Dunbarton. 



INDEX TO CONTENTS. 



Historical sketch, 9 

Proprietors' records, 40 

Charter and proceedings under it, 99 

Miscellaneous matters — warning out, 138 

Dr. Dugall's petition, , 139 

Tithing-nien, 139 

Militia trainings, 140 

Eaisings and trials of strength and skill, 141 

Bounds of the Common, 143 

Dr. Jackson's Survey, 143 

Lease of town lands, 144 

Grave-yard wall, 145 

Grave-yard, 147 

Physicians, 150 

Magistrates, 150 

Keligious associations, 150 

Ee volution ary soldiers, , 151 

Ecclesiastical statistics, 152 

Post-oflSces, 154 

Traders, 155 

New meeting-house, 156 

Protest of Major John Stinson to the meeting of 1801, 161 

Accidental deaths, 162 

Disappearance of McCarthy, 163 

Journal of E. L. Harris, 165 

INDIVIDUAL NOTICES. 

Archibald Stark and sons, 174 

Major Eobert Eogers, 178 

Captain Caleb Page, , 181 

Captain William Stinson, , 194 

Archibald Stinson, 196 

John Stinson, Jr., 198 



Vlll INDEX TO CONTENTS. 

Jeremiah Stinson, 200 

William Stinson, 201 

James Stinson, 201 

Colonel John Stinson, 201 

Jonathan Burhank, 201 

Steplicn Burbank, 202 

Samuel Stinson, 202 

John Stinson, 202 

Eev. Walter Harris, 203 

Mills family, 210 

William Beard, 212 

John Biinten, 213 

John Fulton, 213 

Joseph Putney and James Rogers, 213 

Thomas Caldwell, 249 

Israel Clifford, 249 

Phinehas Bailey, 249 

William Tenney, 250 

Nathan Gutterson, 250 

James Hogg, 250 

Samuel Gutterson, 251 

Shubaol Tenney, 251 

Nathaniel T. Saftbrd, 251 

Jonas Hastings, 251 

Eobert Alexander, 252 

Jonathan Waite, 253 

Paul Healey, 251 

Eichard Cilley, 251 

William BroAvn, 252 

Benjamin Twiss,. 253 

Benjamin Marshall, 253 

John Dodge, 253 

James Morse, 253 

Benjamin Perley, Jr., 254 

Captain Joseph Leach, 254 

Eliphalet R. Sargent, 254 

Joshua F. Hoyt, 254 

Thomas Tewksbury, 255 

John Gould, 265 



HISTORY OF DUMBARTON. 



The incidents attending tlie settlement and onward pro- 
gress of an inland agricultural town, cannot be expected 
to interest others than its residents, or the descendants of 
its early proprietors, the "forefathers of the hamlet,'" 
whose honored graves are located amidst the scenes of 
their former toil. 

Their indomitable resolution and life-enduring labors 
cleared away the wild forests, and destroyed or expelled 
their wilder occupants, the wnly human savage, as also the 
ferocious animals that prowled at will amid their solitudes. 
They prepared the pleasant fields and pastures now adorn- 
ing our hill-sides and valleys, for the peaceable enjoyment 
of their posterity. 

Tlie fortunate possessors of this fair domain, whose ac- 
quisition was attended by neither toil or danger, cannot 
too highly appreciate the noble sacrifices and cheerfully 
encountered perils of the stalwart pioneers who transmit- 
ted to them so goodly an heritage. They were truly, in 
the words of the Scottish bard, 

" Types of a race that shall the invader scorn, 
As rocks resist the billows round their shore ; 

Tj-pes of a race that shall to time unborn, 

Their country leave unconquered, as of yore." 

This location is noticed in Haywood's Jlew-England 
Gazetteer as follows : 

" DuNBARTOX, Merrimack Co. This town lies nine miles 
south-west, from Concord, and seven miles south-east from 

2 



10 IIISTOIIY OF DUXBARTOX, 

Ilopkinton, ropulation in 18-30, 10G7. The situation of 
the town is somewhat elevatod, tliougli there are but few 
hills, nor any niounfains. The air is clear, the water is 
good, and the liealth of its inhabitants seldom interrupt- 
ed by sickness. The soil is good ; peculiarly suited for 
corn, wheat, and oivharding. Almost every lot in town 
is capaltle of making a good farm. The farmers here have 
good buildings, and are excellent husbandmen. The ad- 
vantages in iH)int of water jirivileges are not great. The 
inhabitants are ju'incipally descendants of the Scotcli-Irish, 
so called, from the north of Ireland. Their descendants 
still retain many traits of charactei- ])eculiar to that peojtle. 

"Dunbarton was granted, in 17ol, to Archibald Stark. 
Its present name (formerly Starksiown) is derived from 
Dunbarton, in Scotland, whence Stark cuiigrated. The 
first settlement was made about 1741t. "William Stinson, 
born in Ireland, came to Londonderry with his fatlier. 
He was much respected, and was a useful man. dames 
Rogers was from Ireland, and father to Major liobert 
Rogers. lie was shot in the woods, being mistaken for a 
bear." 

"We will add to tlie above, that the scenery of this place 
is diversified with many considerable elevations, fertile 
valleys, and meadows, watered by numerous small streams. 
A portion of its territory afi:"ords excellent pastures. The 
extensive landscape prospects from the high lands in dif- 
ferent parts of the town are very intei'csting, particularly 
those presented to view from the hill ujion which the 
meeting-house and central village ai'c lot-ated. From that 
lieight the White Mountains, one hundred miles distant, 
are at times distinctly visible. 

Mill sites arc furnished ])y several ponds, and small 
streams issuing iVom oi- fiowing into them. The })rincipal 
ponds are Gorham's, Kimball's, and Long Pond. These, 
with a smaller one called Tui-gatoi-y Loud, are situated in 
the southern and south-eastern (juarters of the town. 
Stark's mill pond lies about mid way of its western border 
line, from \\ lilch it is distant the length of two lots. Tliis 



IIISTOllY OF DUNBARTON. 11 

townsliip is considered one of the most healthy in the 
county. ]\[an3' of its inhabitants have lived to advanced 
ages. The widow of Capt. Joseph Leach was the oldest 
person who ever 'died in this place. She attained tlie age 
of one hundred and two years. She died June 20, 1849. 

The inhabitants of Dunbarton are principally farmers, 
good livers, and generally in comfortable, independent 
circumstances. I'opulation in 1850, 915. A^aluation in 
1854, |387,984. In another portion of this volume may 
be found Dr. Jackson's report of a vein of arsenic, discov- 
ered in the eastern section of this town, on the estate of 
Stephen Wheeler. 

The first settlement is supposed to have ])ecn made by- 
James Rogers and Joseph Putney. The precise time is 
not known, although probably several 3'ears prior to 1746. 
They established their families on the border of a large 
meadow called the " Great Meadow," erected log-houses, 
and planted apple trees, which had so far advanced to- 
wards maturity as to produce fruit, when a body of Indi- 
ans appeared in the vicinity of Rumford (Concord). 

Two friends from that place traced their way in the 
night, by spotted trees, through the forest, to the " Great 
Meadow," to notify them of the impending danger. Upon 
the receipt of this intelligence they at once abandoned 
their homes, and, by a speedy retreat to Rumford during 
the same night, insured their personal safety. Returning 
in the course of the next day, to drive their cattle to the 
Rumford garrison, they found them all slaughtered, and 
lying scattered around in every direction. Their houses 
had been plundered and burned, and their apple trees, 
Avith one exception,* cut down. 

In 1749, Messrs. Putney and Rogers made a permanent 
settlement, having resided at Rumford during the three 
previous years. The year 1746 was memorable in conse- 
quence of the massacre on the Ilopkinton road, which 
occurred on the morning of August 11, 1746, near the 

* The stump of this tree is still visible on the land of Mr. James Bailey 
(lot No. 8, sixth range). The tree produced good fruit. 



12 HISTORY OF DIXBARTOX. 

place where the Bradley monument now commcnioratc« 
the tras^ie event. 

Putney and iJog-ers had ]»roeured no title to the land, 
hut their [lossession was eonlirmed by the proprietors, who 
in ITol obtained a grant of tlie townshi]).* 

Tlu' i'.\tensi\T raiige of meadow lands, ah-eady cleared 
by the iiulustry of the beaver, and the abundant mitural 
ero]is of tall blue joint grass, there produced, inlluenced 
these pioneers in selecting their location, to which James 
l\ogcrs gave the name of Mountalona, from a })lace where 
he had once dwelt in Ireland. He was the father of Ma- 
jor liobert Kogers, the celebrated leader of the ranger 
corps in the "Seven Years' W^ar," 

Mr. Jladley, to wliose address, delivered before the Dun- 
l)arton Lyceum, in 1845, we are indebted for much infor- 
mation in regard to the subject upon which we now write, 
describes the Jiccidental and untimely death of ffames 
Rogers as follows : 

" Ebenczer Ayer, of Haverhill, Mass., a celebrated and 
successful hunter, came into these parts to pursue his avo- 
cation in (piest of bears, deer, and othei" game. He had a 
rude camp on AN^alnut Hill, in Bow, near Dunbartou line. 
He had been hunting all day, and came to his camp in the 
evening; ami, it not being late, was still looking out for 
the approach of a ]>ear. Mr. Kogei's ^^•as an intimate 
friend of Ayer, and was coming to pay him a visit. He 
drew near the cam}) ; he was dressed entirely in black,| 
and the dusk of the evening det'cived tlic eye of the eager 
hunter. He took the fatal aim, and shot the man. But 
he soon discovered his sad mistake, and with a sorrowing 

* Upon a map of tiu' tnwii, copied in 1808 from tlic map drawn at 
J'ortsmouth in 1749, lot Xo. 8, in tiie lifth range, is marked, "J. T. Ma- 
son. & Putney & Rogers" eldest son," and lot No. 8, in the sixth range, is 
marked, " J. Kogei-s and Tutney's oldest son : apple tree.'' 

t lie wore a bear skin dn.MS. 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON, 13 

heart stood over tlie bleeding form of his friend. Rogers * 
did not long survive; he died before he reached home. 
Ayer could never after relate the sad event without shed- 
ding tears." 

In 1751 , the twenty-fourth year of George the Second's 
reign, during the provincial administration of Benning 
Wentworth, a settlement was regularly commenc.'od by a 
grant of the township from the assigns of John Tufton 
Mason, to Arcliil)ald Stark, Caleb J*age, Hugh llamsay 
and others, which comprised a territory five miles scjuare, 
incltuling a portion of the })resent town of llooksett. 

At their first meeting, in Londonderry, April 8, 1751, 
the pro[)rietors voted, that of the thirty individuals who 
should first locate themselves under their grant, each per- 
son should have three acres of land cleared on or before 
the last day of October succeeding ; to have the same 
fenced in, and a dwelling-house, not less than sixteen feet 
square, erected, in which also their families were to be 
settled before the last day of May, 1752. f 

In accordance with this vote, Thomas Mills, William 
Stinson and John Hogg located themselves in the western 
portion of the town. Their dwellings were situated sev- 
eral miles apart, and thus remained for some time without 
any intervening inhabitants. Although such positions are 
matters of common occurrence at the present day, and 

* Thu name of .lamt's Roi^ers apjiears in the History of Londuiulerry ; 
also in a petition from the jieople of Suneook, May 2G, 1747, to Governor 
Wentworth, praying for assistance against the Indians. [History of 
Manchester, p. 229, 230.] His sons Kobcrt, J\ichanl and .lames, were of- 
ficers in the " Seven Years' War." lii(diard was a eajitain of Ivangers, 
and died of the small-pox at Fort William Henry, in the spring of 1757. 
James was a captain in the same service. In the proprietors' records 
of Uunbarton he is mentioned as Capt. James Rogers. Several other par- 
ticulars relating to the first settlement of this town, as alsn a dilferent 
statement of the circumstances of James llogers' death, may he found in 
the notice of Joseph Putney, in another portion nf this work. Ilogcrs 
was dressed in bear skin clotliing. 

f At a proprietors' meeting, held at Londonderry, April 7, 1752, Caleb 
Page, .Jr., William Stinson, and John McCurdy, were chosen liighway 
.surveyors for Starkstovvn, being the first' ever chosen for this towy. 



14 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

will continue to be for years to come, in the far extending 
wilderness of the West, they are no longer faniiliar to 
dwellers within the borders of Xew-lMigIan(L Their well 
proyided and o[)nlent descendants can l)nt faintly picture 
to theniselyes in imagination tlie stern realities met, en- 
dured, and (lyercomo by the hardy I'oresters who located 
the now "pleasant places" in \\hich they dwell in |»eace, 
security and happiness. 

The situation of. these i)ioneers could not be otherwise 
than drear and lonely, in a. wilderness al)ounding AYith 
wild and ferocious animals; bears, catamounts, Ayolyes, 
and wild-eats, Ayhose dismal howls disturbed their nightly 
repose, and compelled them to maintain a ^■igilant watcli 
oyer their flocks and herds. If during tlu; night they 
looked abroad from their timber cabins, through the dark- 
ness and gloom around them, lu) friendly lights gleamed 
from the windo^vs of distant dwelling-houses, to cheer 
their solitude, and assure them that they were not entirely 
alone in their forest wilderness. 

Accustomed, howeyer, from youth to hardship and labo- 
rious exertion, they were neither deterred by fear or diffi- 
culties in accomplishing tlieir enter[>rise. In Mr. JIadley's 
address, to A\hich reference has been already made, is a 
statement that Sarah, daughter of Thomas Mills, was the 
first child hoi"n in the settlement. The only light we can 
furnish u])on this su])ject is deriyed from the town clerk's 
records, which arc as follows: 

" Birtlis of the children ol" Thomas Mills. Sarah, b. 
February 11, 175;'); .John, b. , January 7, 17o0 ; Agnes, 1>. 
January 27, 17 ")8 ; Thomas, b. January 7, 17G1 ; Caleb, b. 
.luiu' 8, 1765 ; Hlizabetli, b. Se|>tend)er 25, 1707 ; Peter, b. 
September 25, 17()!> ; James, b. August 2 t. 1771 : Samuel, 
h. December 5, 1778. Thomas Mills, senior, died January 
21, 1790, aged 7<» years." 

"Jeremiah Page, Ks([., was mai-ried Felii'uary y>' 20, 
1752, to Sarah Meiiill. and had the folhnying (•hildren; 
First, Caleb, b. Ai^i-il y 1'.', 175o; sceond, Sarah, b. Dc- 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON". 15 

cember ye 24, 1754: third, Achsah, b. September 25, 
1759 ; fourth, Eli;cabeth, b. August ye 2, 1762 ; fifth, Jer- 
emiah, b. July y- 29, 1765 ; sixth, John, b. September 7, 
1767 ; scventii, Kutli,-b. August 15, 1770." 

Jercmiali Page, senior, Esq., died Nov. 29, 1807, aged 
77 years. Upon a map of the town, drawn in 1803, is a 
statement that Caleb Page, the first son, and Sarah, the 
first daughter, of Jeremiah Page, were born at Draeut, 
Mass. "VYc are, however, iiiclincd to believe that the first 
child born upon the territory was one of the family of 
James Rogers or Joseph Putney, who settled upon it sev- 
eral years prior to 1746, to the eldest sons of whom lots 
of land were granted by the proprietors, in 1752. 

Many of the original settlers of Starkstown were from 
Derryfield and Londonderry. Others came directly from 
Ireland and Scotland. Several families from the vicinity 
of Ipswich, Mass., took up lands near each other, in the 
southern l)order of the tow^i, while individuals from Ha- 
verhill, Ilampstead, and other towns in Massachusetts, lo- 
cated themselves in ditferent parts of it. In 1770, nine- 
teen years subsequent to the grant, the township contained 
497 inhabitants. The so called Scotch-Irish emigrants, 
who gave the first efiicient impulse to the settlement, are 
not to be considered as blended with the natives of Ire- 
land. 

The ancestors of those adventurers who settled London- 
derry, X. II., abandoned Scotland for Ireland in 1619. 
There they remained for a century as a people distinct 
from and unmingled with those of the country to which 
they had emigrated. lieligious persecution compelled 
them to depart from the land of their birth, and seek re- 
fuge and freedom in Ireland. Their expectations were, 
however, in every respect woefully disappointed. 

There they could occupy lands only by lease, and, being 
strict Presbyterians, were compelled to contribute their 
proportion towards the support of the established church. 
Dissatisfied with their imposed burthens in the shape of 
rents and tithes, and possessing 'the indomitable spirit of 



16 HISTORY OF DIXBARTON. 

tlicir native Scotland, tlioy (Ictonniiiod to seek, in a wil- 
derness l)e_vond the Atlantic, an asyhini for religious free- 
dom, as also an exemption from ("Imrch and State extor- 
tions. 

"AVhen initrwl zeal in wild unliuly (lays, 

Bared his red arm, and bade the fagot blaze. 

Our jiatriot sires the y)ilgriin sail uni'urled, 

And Freedom pointed to a rival world ; 

"Where prowled the wolf, and where the hunter roved, 

Faith raised her altars fo the Hod she loved."' 

In 1719, a company of sixteen families of these people 
from Ireland settled the town of Londonderry, which soon 
afterward became a o-eneral rendezvous for others of their 
"kith and kin." In his centennial discourse upon the 
history of Londonderry, Mr. !*ai?kki{ i-emarks of them : 
"Though of Scotch origin, they are not inferior to the 
English. They are more frank and rough in their man- 
ners," Their peculiarities ol' ex[)ression were strongly 
distin2:uishable in the conversation of the earlv inhabit- 
ants of Dunbarton, within the remembrance of the writer. 
They are, however, no hmger observable in their descend- 
ants. 

Notices of highways laid otit are found ]»rior to 1760. 
ProT)ably before that date the tirst highway was opened 
through the western part of the town, which became a 
])rincipal road, and was ti'avelled by ti'ains of teams from 
towns above, on their route to l>oston. 

In 1760, lot No. twelve, in the fourth range, containing 
one hundred acres, was granted by the jiroprietors to Ca[»t. 
Jolm Stark, as an encouragement to build a saw-mill, with 
a condition tlitit the same should be |iut in operation 
within oneyear. '^i'lie condition was fulfilled. A corn-mill 
was afterward erected ; both mills n'built in 1810, and 
also in 1834. They will be renewed duiiiig the ju'csent 
year (1860), out' hundred ye.irs from the date of the gi'ant 
before mentioned.* 

In 1771, the fourth lot in the sixth I'ange was voted to 
be sold for fifty dollars lo any p(.'i'son who would obligate 

* The mills ^-till belong to the descendants of Gen. Stark. 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 17 

himself to build a corn-mill on tlie lot for the use of the 
town. 

" Voted, Said lot No. four, in tlio sixth range of lots in 
said town, to Benjamin Kadley, for fifty dollars, to be paid 
before the last Tuesday in June next, on his givinsj^ obli- 
gations to build a corn-mill and keep in repair said mill, 
for tlie use of the town." — Proprietors' Record, 3Iarch 12, 
1771. 

The mill is supposed to liavo been built by Mr. Iladley, 
and probably passed from him to Ebenezer Woodbury ; 
for in 1789 it was called "Woodbury's Mill.'.' From him 
it came into the possession of David Kindiall, whose son, 
Ebenezer P. Kimball, is its present owner. It is riow the 
only grain mill in town. 

A saw-mill, erected by Capt. William Stinson, near 
Gorham Pond, is now owned by his grandsons, Charles 
and William C. Stinson., Another mill, near Long Pond, 
is noted on the county map as the property of the latter. 

On the old map of the town, drawn in 1803, upon lot 
No. four, in the sixth range, another saw-mill appears to 
have been located previous to that time. B}' whom built, 
we know not, but it is now owned by Jolm Page. 

The meetings for transacting the proprietors' aftairs, 
and those of the town, were generally, for nearly eighteen 
years, held at -the house of Captain William Stai'k, until 
the iirst meeting-hoiise was erected. The first public 
meeting in Dunbarton was held October 17, 1752, upon 
land settled by Daniel and John McCurd}-. 

Archibald Stark being the first named grantee, and one 
of the principal proprietors, the grant was, in conijiliment 
to him, called Starkstown, by which name it was known 
for fourteen years. On the 10th of August, 1765, in the 
fifth year of the reign of George III., it was made " a 
body politic and corporate, to have continuance until His 
Majesty's pleasure should be signified to the contrary, by 
the name of Dunbarton, wntli the powers and authoi-ities, 
privileges, immunities, and franchises," belonging to other 
towns in the province. Its new name was adopted as a 



18 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

memorial of fond recollection retained for the town and 
castle of Dumbarton, in Scotland, from the vicinity of 
which Arcliiliald Stark and the ancestors of many of the 
inhabitants emigrated. Governor Wentworth, in the 
name of the king, signed the charter, in -which Caleb 
Page was authorized "to call the lirst meeting anytime 
within forty days after the date" of it. Thenceforth all 
meetings for the election of town officers were to be 
holtlcn aimually on the sec;ond Tuesday of March.* 

The iirst regular town meeting held in Dunbarton after 
its incorporation assembled at tlie house of AVilliam 
Stark, September 8, 17(j5, where were cho.sen its Iirst 
town officers. Xo accounts show that this town was ever 
represented in tlie provincial legislature during the rule 
of the royal governors. In 1775 Caleb Page was chosen 
a delegate to the Provincial C'ongress. 

In its representation this town was for several years 
classed with Bow, and Jeremiah Pagef most frequently 
rej)resented both towns in the legislature. In 171>o David 
Story was the first representative elected by the town in 
a separate capacity. 

J)uring the "Seven Years' War," liobcrt Rogers, his 
brothers, Ilichard and James, AYilliam and Arcliibald 
Stark, Jun'r, (-aleb Page, JunV, Nathaniel .\hirtin, Adam 
Dickey, John McCurdy and others, highly distinguished 
themselves by their bravery in the royal service. They 
served in the corps of rangers which essentially contrib- 
uted to the success of the liritish anus, and s[)read con- 
sternation among their French and Indian enemies. 

The lievolution, which eonuneiiced ten years after the 

* In IT'Jl, agreeably hi a vote of tliu town, Jeremiah Page, K?q., ob- 
taini'cl from tlir; General Court an aet by wliieli the town of Diinbarton 
was autliorized to lioi<l the annua! town meeting on the Iirst Tuesday of 
March. 

T The first record upon tiiis subject was made in 1777. Tlie inhabitants 
of both towns met for the pur|.o.se of choosing a representative at the 
hou.se of Mr. Henry rutney. Jeremiah Page, John Hogg, David Story 
of Hunbarton, and John IJryant of How, each, at times, represented both 
town.-. 



HISTORY OF DITNBARTOX. 19 

incorporation of the town, found several of these old 
soldiers and other now ones ready to take the field for 
their country at the first alarm. Several of them served 
throughout the war, and performed well their parts on the 
" left wing" at Bunker's Hill, at Trenton, Princeton, and 
Bennington, as well as on other fields of fame, during that 
perilous, long, douhtful and glorious contest. Their do- 
mestic affairs were deemed by them p,g hut of secondary 
consequence to those which concerned the great struggle 
to secure the success of which they had freely volunteered. 

The public meetings in these exciting times were prin- 
cii:)ally occupied in devising means to provide full quotas 
for the Continental army ; and appropriations which 
might, under different circumstances, have been devoted 
to schools and preaching, were mostly applied in payment 
of wages and bounties to soldiers. !So many of the inhab- 
itants were occasionally absent on public service as at 
times scarcely to leave of true men at home a number 
sufficient to keep in subjection the tories, of which this 
town contained its full proportion.* 

The warrant calling a special town meeting, May 10, 
1777, during one of the darkest periods of the war, con- 
tains an urgent appeal to the people, requesting their at- 
tendance : "As," say the selectmen, "our all seems to 
depend upon making a stand at this time ;" thus mani- 

* General Stark, in u letter to President Weare, dated Derrytield, 18th 
March, 1781, states: "T have received two letters from Lieut. Howe. 
One of them informs me that he shall be able to muster forty recruits 
to-morrow ; and the other gave intelligence of some persons tracked from 
Long Island to Amherst, supposed to belong to the Dunbarton tory club. 
I sent Lt. Archibald Stark to fexamine the suspected houses; which, 1 sup- 
pose, was executed this morning at day-break." The estates of tbe refugees 
who actually went over to the enemy were sold for the public benefit by 
General Stark, as commissioner appointed by the State authorities. 

In lot No. 1?>, in the second range, a collar is still to be seen, as also 
the stump, and a sprout now proilucing fruit, of an old sweet apple tree, 
probably planted by Samuel Stinson, who lived and died there. The 
land is now included in the Borough Farm, where Major Caleb Stark 
settled. Lot No. 12, in the same range, was also confiscated. The lot, 
divided into four portions, is now owned by Otis Duke, the heirs of Caleb 
Stark, Nathan Gutterson, and Mrs. Nancv Healey. 



!20 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

fcsting tlio fact that spirit and r.eal were not wanting in 
Dunbarton amid tlic desponding gloom wliicli then per- 
vaded the country :• ere long to be di.<[)elled by the star of 
victory tlestined to arise at Bennington. 

An elderly inhabitant of this town informed the writer, 
that when a l)()v ho witnessed the lamentations of many 
women and children when their nearest and dearest rela- 
tives were called for to fill the ranks of the force desio'ued 
for the Vei'mont frontier, and also the rejoicings of the 
same individuals, wlien their volunteer friends returned 
liome victorious, without the loss of a man.* 

The civil affairs of this, as of other towns, were in an 
unsettled condition dui'ing the early portion of the Revo- 
lutionary war. ^lagistrates could no longer compel obe- 
dience in the king's name. The tax-gatlierer, with his 
baton of ofHce, bearing the mime of the third George, 
could not collect the government dues, until that detested 
name had been erased, and tlie nu)re po})ular letters, 
U. S, A., substitued. No acts, however, of violence ov 
outrage charactei-ized this bi'icf intei-val of no hiw, as it 
has been designated. 

Steadfastly adhei'ing to the object which induciMl tlu'ir 
emigration to the wilds of Xew-IIampshire, the Scottish 
Presbyterians ami theii' descendants caused religious insti- 
tutions to be regarded as a jToiuiiicnt fcatui'e in the form- 
ation of their early settlements. 

At the second ]u-o])rietors' meeting, held at Loiidon- 
deriT in March, 17o2, a vote was passed by the grantees, 
" tliat a meeting-house should be built within five years 
from ^^ay next ensuing." On the 4th of October, IToo, 
the ]iro[)rietors — 

" Vo(<''/, I'liat tlicre be a luuise for public \voi'ship built, 
of thirty feet square, and ten feet post ; also, 

" Vo/ed, That Caleb Page, Samuel Paukin aiul John 
Stark be a committee to build said mceting-house." 

* For till' l?i'miiii;^ton i'X|icilitioii, cii^lUctMi men wrro required to be 
furiiislied l)y Duiibiirton, eitlier as volniitecrs or by drul't. 'I'lieir names. 
with a few exceptions, wo liave nut been able to obtain. 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 21 

In 17G4 the proprietors voted to sell four reserved lots, 
called " free lots," being lot No. 12 iu the first range, Nos, 
1 and 2 in the thirteenth range, and ISTo. 2 in the second 
range. In January, 1765, they also — " Voted, That Wil- 
liam Stark, William Stinson and Jeremiah Page he a 
committee for building and finishing the meeting-house, 
as far as the money will go for\Adiich the four lots of land 
were sold." 

The lands sold produced the sum of two thousand and 
five pounds, and l)etwcen the years 1765 and 1767,* the 
house was finished. Long, however, before the above 
dates, and, as tradition reports, soon after the grant and 
settlement, a sermon was preached by the Rev. Mr. Mc- 
Gregor, in the open air, upon the ground since inclosed 
as a public burial place, and which probably contains the 
relics of many who there heard the words of grace uttered 
for the first time amid the forest hills of Starkstown. 

The scene and occasion could scarcely fail in producing 
an impression, deep and lasting, upon the minds of the 
settlers wdio had there assembled from their distantly sep- 
arated abodes. Their rural sanctuary was surrounded by 
a forest, in which the stately pine, chestnut, and other 
noble trees, flourished on the soil they had for ages occu- 
pied as freeholders, undisturbed in their solitude by other 
sounds than those of the winds of heaven, the Indian's 
ear-piercing yell, or the startling tones uttered by the 
prowling beast of pre}'. 

The first house erected in town for public worship was 
a low framed structure, without pews, or perhaps but one, 
with seats of rough plank, resting upon chestnut logs ; a 
rude dais raised for the accommodation of sinirers, and a 
pulpit constructed of rough boards. 

The building was not remarkably tight, and possessed 
no conveniences for affording artificial warmth to its oc- 
cupants during a cold winter's day. These deficiences, 

* That the house was built prior to the second Tuesday of March, 17G7, 
we infer from this entry in the record of that date : 

"■Voted, The pound be built as near the meeting-house as possible." 



22 HISTORY OF DUMBARTON. 

liowcver, wliieli would ;qii>(.'ai- in.sufH' ruble to many effemi- 
nate worshippers of tliis degenerate age, were, as was the 
state of the weather, objects of trivial import in the estima- 
tion of our '• I'ough and ready" church-going ancestors, 
many of whom had in eai'licr times pci'formcd their devo- 
tions with loaded muskets beside them. 

The house of the }»roprietors answered all intended [»ur- 
poses for twenty years, more or less, when it was removed 
to make way for the i»lain, unsteepled, yet respectable, 
unpretending edifice, designed for a temple of divine wor- 
ship, as well as a town-house, Avliich now occupies the 
ground where it stood. 

Seventy years ago the common around it was partially 
covered with large forest trees, having in its vicinity but 
two dwelling-houses. One of these, the house of William 
Stark, stood upon the site of the new Congregational 
meeting-house, on the school lot* ; the other was that of 
Doctor Dugall, who was permitted tem})orarily to settle 
upon the glel)e, or pastor's lot. lie was the town's first 
resident physician. 

Preaching was for several years furnished by different 
clergymen, among whom were Mr. McGregore, Mr. J)a- 
vidson of Lon(h>nderry, Mr. Cotton, and Mr. Houston of 
Bedford. On the -jil of August, 17T-), a committee was 
appointed b}' the town, to "• confer with Mr. William 
Fessenden in regard to a settlement as a, gos})el minis- 
ter." lie had already gi\en satisfaction in town as a 
preaclier, but previous to his conference with the C(nn- 
mittee he had established himself in another place. Dur- 
ing the devolution, ]M-opositious for the benefit of the 
j)ulpit or the school were genei'ally voted down. The 
chiinis of the soldier were paramount to all others. 

For three yeai-s, from 1780 to ITSo, but twenty-fmr 
days' ])reacliing were hired. In lT8r) Mr. Dradford 
preached, and on the 2<>th of October the town voted 
that lie should have a call to settle, and a salary of seventy 
pounds. His doctriiud sentiments, however, proved not 

* Lot No. 9, 11. three. 



HISTORY OF DUNBAllTON. 23 

entirely satisfactory. In 1786 Mr. Williams preached, 
and thoughts were once entertained of conferring the set- 
tlement upon him. The town record of Xov. 13, 1786, 
reads : " Put to vote to see if the town will treat with Mr. 
AVilliams in regard to a settlement as a gospel minister, 
and it was passed in the negative." 

A committee was appointed, October 30, 1788, to en- 
gage Mr. Harris " for one year, or a shorter time, to preach 
on trial ;" and on the 26th of January, 1789, a vote was 
passed to give him a call. lie was then about twenty- 
seven years of age, and was ordained August 26, 1789. 
Dr. Emmons, an eminent scholar and divine, with whom 
he had studied divinity, delivered the discourse upon the 
occasion. Previous to this event a church, consisting of 
eiglit or ten members, had been established. Mr. Harris 
first appropriated the proprietors' grant for the first set- 
tled minister, and located himself on the nlinisterial lot.* 
He also, by a vote of the town, obtained the use of the 
parsonage lot, with an additional salary of " seventy 
pounds by the year ; one half of which was to be paid in 
cash, and the other in corn and rye." 

The salary was obtained by a tax assessed upon all rat- 
able polls and estates in town, without distinction of 
creeds. Such was the practice of the time, supported b}- 
statute. This procedure proved a source of much difli- 
culty, as many of the tax-payers dissented from the doc- 
trines of the standing order. Mr. Harris, as we have been 
informed, was himself opposed to the system which com- 
pelled men, by. legal proceedings, to contribute towards 
the support of the pulpit. The selectmen's books show 
that he contributed voluntarily five dollars towards paying 
the costs of those whose property had been distrained by 
the collectors of the minister tax. 

* Lot No. 8, fourth ranee. 



24 • HISTORY OF DTNTiAKTOX. 

REMONSTKAXCH AtiAINST THE MINISTER TAX, 

To the Jvhahitants of the Tuirn of Danbarton, in the Coimtij 
of Hillsboroufjh : 
Till- uiKici'signed, inhabitants of tliis town, take this 
method of exju'essin^- tlieir o[)inion relative to assessini^ 
and disti-ainini;- certain of said inliabitants for rates to- 
wards the salary of the ]\ev. Mr. Harris. They view all 
such assessments, ai2:ainst sueh as claim an exemption on 
account of their being- of a dilferent ]»ersuasion, or de- 
noininatiou in religion, from the said Harris, as clearly 
illeg-al, arbitrary, and uncoustitutioiud ; as tending to com- 
pel such })ei"sons to advance moneys without any ecpiiva- 
lent in I'cturn ; as violating the first and most important 
rights secured to the citizens of the State by the consti- 
tution ; the right of liberty of conscience; and ultimately 
tending to the disturljance instead of the hapiiiness of 
society. 

The foregoing and other good reasons induce the sub- 
scribers openly to protest against all assessments aforesaid 
and the consequences thereof; and they claim the right of 
putting their protest on the records of said town, that the 
same may be a perpetual memorial against the proceed- 
ings before mentioned. 

Arcliiliuld Stark, Williain \VlieL'ler, Francis Smart, 

Tlioiiia> Huso, Joel Wlu-dcr, Caleb Stark, 

"WiUiaiii 3Ioc)re, Daniel ^\'lu;eler, Alexander Leslie, 

Caleb Uanerol't, J. S. Colby, 'I'lionias Tewlcsbiiry, 

Asa Putney, Jonatban Merrill, David McGregore, 

James Stuart, Tiniotby Iloyt, Moses Carr, 

Jolin Stinson, Arcbelaus Colby, John Stark, 

Kicdiard Merrill, Samuel Lord, Samuel Stuart, 

John Men-ill, James Stuart, Samuel ^lorrison, 

Jolin (iould, John Miller, Joseph Ilealey, 

John (Jould, .Ii'., J'liinehas i5ailey, Arehelaus Perkins, 

I^bene/.er Gould, Phinehas IJailey, Jr., Asa Burnham, 

Miebael iloyt, Israel Clitford, ' Stephen AVhoeler, 

Thomas Iloyt, Caleb Page, Oliver Kayley, 

Jesse*^ierrill, Joseph Swan, Daniid .>[esser. 

DuM'.ARTOX, March 11, 1706. 

The foregoing delivered to uie and requested to be re- 
corded. David Story, Toivn Clerk. 

iJux BARTON, March 20, 170(3. 

[Town Kec, vol. 1, p. 87.] 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 25 

This system continued encountering opposition in seve- 
ral towns, and creating hostile feelings in most of them, 
throughout the State, until 1819, when the talented efforts 
in the Legislature and popular appeals in the public jour- 
nals, of the Hon. Thomas Whipple, of Wentworth, pro- 
cured the passage of an act which forever exempted the 
people of !N^ew-IIampshire from such taxation. 

In 1807, the town resolved to sell or lease for a term of 
nine hundred and ninety-nine years, the parsonage land, 
in separate lots, so arranged as to command good prices. 

The following is an account of the proceedings upon 
that subject, copied from the records : 

LEASE OF THE PARSONAGE. 

In March, 1807, the town " Voted, To lease or sell the 
parsonage land for nine hundred and ninety-nine years. 

9. Voted, To raise a committee to lease or sell the parson- 
age land. 

10. Voted, To raise a committee to lot out the parsonage 
land, and make a return of the same at the adjournment 
of this meeting. 

11. Voted, To choose a committee of seven for the above 
purpose. 

12. Chose David Story, Esq., (Did not accept.) 

Jeremiah Stinson, 

John Church, 

Major John Mills, 

Asa Burnham, {Did not accept.) 

Daniel Jameson, 

Ebenezer Chase, [Did not accept.) 

Capt. Joseph Leach, (Did not accept.) 

Capt. John Gould, 

Capt. William Parker, 

Lieut. Thomas Mills." 

" Dunharton, 3Iarch 17, 1807. We, being a committee 
appointed by said town to treat witb the Rev. W. Harris, 
3 



26 



HISTORY OF DUXBARTON. 



> Committee.'' 



with respect to his sahiry on fonner contract, agree to re- 
port and do report ; that tor and in consideration of their 
former contracts, they do agree to give him four Imndred 
dolhirsj in full compensation for his former contracts, dur- 
ing his ministry in said town, by his relinquishing all 
claim that he hath, or ever liad, to the parsonage land ; 
the one half to he paid by the first of November ; the 
other half by the first of March annually: All which is 
humbly submitted. 

David Story, 

John Fulton, 

William Stinson, 

Ebenezer Chase, 

Matthew McCurdy, 

John Mills, 

William Broavn, 

William Parker, 

In testimony of my agreement to the above proposal, I 
set my name hereunto. Walter Harris. 

Agreeably to a vote of the town at their adjournment, 
on the twenty-fourth of last March, we, the subscribers, 
have divided the parsonage land into such lots as, in our 
opinion, will best effect the designing of the town ; and 
have made plans of the same, which plans, together with 
this declaration, we offer to the town as our report. 

John Mills, 
Thomas Mills, 
Daniel Jameson, 
John Gould, 
William Parker, 
Jeremiah Stinson, 

Attest: Jerh.m I AH Stinson, Town Clerk. 

Dunbarton, April 8, 1807. 



> Committee. 



HISTORY OF DUNBAIITOX. 



27 



Remonstrance of Capt. Joseph Leach, and others, in regard to 
the sale or lease of the Parsonage land. 

""We, the sul)senl)ers,. hereby object against the pro- 
ceedings of the inhabitants of this town on the article of 
selHng the Parsonage land : l)ecause, we say, that the 
lands which are by charter annexed to the office of the 
ministrj', ought not to be sold, and the proceeds thereof 
enjoyed by the present incumbent, for thereby the succeed- 
ing minister will ever be deprived of his parsonage. 

2. We object to the alteration of the former contract 
with the present minister, and hereby declare ourselves 
freed from the former and the latter contracts, if so altered ; 
and that we never will be bound thereby. 

3. "We declare ourselves of the opinion that the above 
articles are contrary to law and right. 

4. We say that this town, as a town, ought to be of no 
bigoted sect, persuasion, or denomination, but a political 
body, and by that all truly religious associations are solely 
voluntary." 



Joseph Leach, 
Israel Clifford, 
Jeremiah Page, Jr., 
John Page, 
Amos Webster, 
Samuel Lord, Jr., 
Peter C. Page, 
Caleb Page, 
Joseph Leach, Jr., 



Samuel Leach, 
John Leach, 
Caleb Page, Jr., 
Jonathan Clifford, 
Kobert Mark,- 
Joseph Healey, 
John Stinson, Jr., 
Josiah Bailey, 
Alpheus Goodwin, 



James Goodwin, 
Moses Carr, 
Samuel Morrison, 
John Lord, 
John StiiLson, 
Thomas Stinson, 
John Miller, 
Laban Paije. 



Attest: Jeremiah Stinson, Town Clerk. 

Received and recorded, April 8, 1807. 

Jeremiah Stinson, Town Clerk. 



In 1808 the town voted to release from the minister tax 
for 1807 : Asa Burnham, Israel Cliflbrd, Jonathan Clifibrd, 
Joseph Ilealey, Joseph Leach, Joseph Leach, Jr., Samuel 
Leach, Caleb Page, Caleb Page, Jr., Archelaus Perkins, 
Elijah Stearns, Thomas Stinson, Widow^ Agnes Stewart, 



28 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

Robert Stark, Peter C. Page, James Taggart, Jacob Carr, 
Amos Webster, Philip Emery, John Page. 

Voted, To accept the report of the committee appointed 
])V the tou-n to lease the parsonage hind. 

PROCEEDINGS OF THE SALE OF THE PARSONAGE LAND AT 
VENDUE, HELD IN DUNBARTON, ON THE TWELFTH DAY OF 
MAY, A. D. 1807. 

Articles of sale of the parsomye land in the town of Dunbar ton. 

1. The highest bidder shall be the purchaser. 

2. Any pei'son purchasing any lot or lots shall give the 
following security : viz., a mortgage deed to be given back 
of the land bid off, together with a note to the amoant of 
the purchase, on demand, with interest, punctually to be 
paid the first day of March next ensuing ; then annually 
on the first day of March ; the above note to be to the 
acceptance of the committee. 

3. A lease will be given of the land for the term of nine 
hundred and ninety-nine years, agreeably to a vote of the 
town, within ten days after the sale, at Jeremiah Stinson's 
oflice. 

4. Said land will be sold in lots by the acre, agreeably 
to the plans. 

5. To be left discretionary to the vcudue-master what 
shall be considered a bid. 

G. The }(finfi})al will be received at any time, by the 
purchaser paying interest on the same, his obligation given 
up, and the mortgage discharged. 

7. If any bid is disputed, the land to be set up again. 

John Gould, ^ 

Daniel Jameson, V Committee. 

Jeremiah Stinson, J 

Thomas Stark, Vendue- Master. 

Attest: Jeremiah Stinson, Town Clerk. 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 29 

Dmbarton, May 12, 1807. Proceedings of the sale of 
the parsonage land. 

JBids. Lot jSTo. 1, east of the meeting-house, struck off 
to William Bayley, 1| acre, at $102 per acre. Lot No. 2, 
one acre, east of the meeting-house, struck off to David 
Story, at ninety-seven dollars per acre. Lot ^o. 3, one 
acre, east of the meeting-house, struck off to Lieut. 
Thomas Mills, at ninety-five dollars per acre. Lot No. 4, 
sixteen acres, east of the meeting-house, struck off to Major 
Wm. Brown at fifty- six dollars per acre. Lot No. 5, east of 
the meeting-house, twenty-one acres, struck off to John 
Stinson, Jr., at thirty-three dollars per acre. Lot No. 6, 
thirty-five acres, east of the meeting-house, struck off to 
Samuel Hearsey at thirteen dollars per acre. Lot No. 7, 
thirty-five acres, east of the meeting-house, struck off to 
Lieut. Thomas Mills at twelve dollars per acre. Lot No. 1, 
north-west corner of the Ilealey piece, struck off to Robert 
Holmes at ninety-five dollars and fifty cents per acre. Lot 
No. 3, three acres, in the Ilealey piece, struck oft' to Sam- 
uel Smith at thirty-nine dollars per acre. Lot No. 2, in 
the Ilealey piece, struck oft" to Thomas Hammond, Jr., at 
eighty dollars per acre. Lot No. 1, of the half lot, twenty- 
two acres, struck oft" to Ebenezer Chase, at twentj'-two 
dollars twenty-five cents per acre. Lot No. 2, half lot, 
nineteen acres, struck oft" to Doct. James Clement, at 
twenty dollars per acre. Lot No. 3, half lot, seven acres, 
one hundred and twelve rods, struck off to Samuel Per- 
kins at thirty-one dollars fifty cents per acre. Lot No. 4, 
half lot, seventeen acres, struck off to Robert Chase at 
fourteen dollars twenty-five cents per acre. 

John Whipple, Clerk. 
Attest: Jeremiah Stinson, Toion Clerk. 

The interest of the fund arising from the sale of the 
parsonage land was applied toward the stipulated salary 
of the minister ; the remainder w^as voted to be raised by 
a tax upon all ratable polls and estates. Those wdio 



30 HISTORY OF DUX15AIIT0N. 

opposed the sale of the hiiul, ami others of similar prhici- 
ples, refused to pay this tax. Tlieir property was conse- 
quently attaj-'hed, and their assessments, with cost, levied 
upon the same. We have heard that three indivi(hials, 
Archihald Stark, 2d, Caleb Page, and Joel Wheeler, were 
carried to Jail in consequence of their i>ertinacious refusal 
to pay the tribute. 

The cattle of Asa 15urnham and others, including ^taj. 
Caleb Stark, were seized in tlu'ir barnyards; and in due 
time ])ut up at vendue. The latter had for several years 
nuule Mr. Karris an annual present, more than equal to his 
proportion of the assessment, which, although satisfactory 
to him was not so to the leaders of his church. They 
resolved upon stronger measures to compel payment as of 
a legal claim. His cattle were seizetl, and the tax levied ; 
but he never paid one voluntarily, and we think involun- 
tarily, afterward. A portion of the above remarks a})[)ly 
to periods anterior to 1807. 

A process thus instituted to com[)cl individuals to sup- 
port creeds to which their consciences could not respond, 
which differed only in name from the tithe system of Eng- 
laiul, was unjiopular, and engendered a spirit of hostility, 
not soon to be allayed, or the cause of it forgotten. In 
these matters the descendants of those who fled from their 
fatherland to be rid of the iron shackles o'i charch.iuid state 
'policy, and seek religious toleration in Xe\v-llam}>shire 
forests, appear to have lost sight of those principles of 
rdijioHS freedom which were the induciiif) motives for their 
ancestors" emigration. The doctrines of religion, tlic pre- 
cepts of virtue, as exemplitied in the sentiments and con- 
duct of our Saviour, require not the strong arm oi' civil 
power to compel their belief or adoption. 

Persons whose property had been distrained, or tlieir 
persons arrested on account of their refusal to pay the 
minister tax, [irior to ITOG, brought suits against the 
selectmen, "for taxing thenx in the nnnister list of taxes 
\n said town, which they say is illegal ; and granting a 
warrant to the collector to collect the same." 



HISTORY OP DUNBARTON. 31 

In consequence, the town chose a committee " to 
endeavor to settle the matter with those persons who 
have brought actions." The town voted to refund their 
taxes and cost. 

At an adjourned meeting, in 1797 : 

"Voted to refund to Mr. Thomas Huse, for taxes and cost of 
prosecution, it being by cause of an action brought against 
the town, £2 14s. Zd. 

Mr. Huse agrees to the above vote. 
Likewise voted to refund to Asa Putney, for his taxes and cost 

of prosecution, . 2 15 

Mr. Putney agrees to the above vote. 
Likewise voted to refund to William Moore, for his taxes and 

cost of prosecution, the sum of 2 8 2 

Mr. Moore agrees to the above vote. 
Likewise voted to refund to James Stark, for his taxes and costs 

of prosecution, the sum of 2 4 4 

Said Stark agrees to the above. 
Likewise voted to refund to Archibald Stark, for his taxes and 

cost of prosecution, 2 10 9 

And Archibald Stark agrees to the above." 

At a meeting, February 6, 1797 : 

"Voted to abate Capt. McGregore's tax, in Dr. Sawyer's min- 
ister list of taxes, £0 9s. Id. 

Voted not to abate Caleb Page's tax. 

Likewise abated John Stinson's, in ditto list. 

Also abated Samuel Stewart's tax, in ditto list. 

Likewise abated Major Stark's tax, in ditto list, 

Also abated Zebadiah Silver's tax, in ditto list. 

Also Francis Smart's tax, in ditto list. 

Also Benjamin Stuart's tax, in ditto list. 

Voted for the collector not to make distraint on Cnleh Page, for 
his minister tax for 1795, before the next annual meeting." 

At an adjourned meeting, March 26, 1810: 

'■'■Voted, To refund to Mr. Asa Buruham his minister 

taxes and cost of his property being taken by distress. 

Put to vote to refund to all others in similar circumstances 

with Mr. Burnham their minister taxes and costs, and 

passed in the negative. 

" Voted, To refund to Caleb Page his minister tax, and 
cost of property taken by distress, to pay the same. 






9 7 


1 


2 


2 


9 10 





2 1 





4 4 





4 1 



32 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

" Voted, To refund Caleb Pai2;e, Jr., hh iniuister tax, and 
cost of property taken by distress to pay the same. 

""Fbto?, To abate John K. Guile's minister tax. Put to 
vote that the selectmen inquire of every individual, when 
they take the inventory, whether they are willing to be 
taxed to pay the minister, and to tax none but those who 
are willing. Passed in the negative. 

" Volcd, That the Rev. Walter llari-is's salary be assessed 
on the ratable polls and estates in said town, excepting 
those who are of a difl'erent denomination." 

Several persons of other denominations were exempted 
from the minister tax in this town, by producing certifi- 
cates similar to the following, which were recorded in the 
town books: 

" Goffstmrn, April 2, 1807. This may certif^y, to wliom 
it may concern, that Winthrop Sargent, of Dunbarton, has 
Joined the Baptist society of Goffstown, and does attend 
and support the gospel in the same. 

Attest : Moses Gould, S. Clerk. 

Recorded, December 2, 1809. 

Attest: D. Jameson, Toion Clerk" 

From the time the compulsory system of taxation before 
mentioned was discontinued, nothing of a religious nature 
excited the sympathies of the town until the year 18-30, 
when the parsonage interest was divided by law, allowing 
to every voter the privilege of declaring to which religious 
society his portion should be paid. 

One party contended that it should be ap})ortioned 
according to ratable polls and estates; the other main- 
tained the position that, inasmuch as the fund originated 
in a donation from the lord proprietors of the township, it 
ought in justice to be divided according to the polls. The 
latter principle was sustained by a majority of the legal 
voters. 

In 1833 another dis])ute occui'red, in consequence of a 
claim advanced 1)y the rniversalist and 13a})tist societies 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 33 

to the use of the meeting-house, for public worship a cer- 
tain number of Sabbath days in the year, according to 
their proportion of the parsonage interest, or ownership of 
pews. 

To this proposition the Congregationalists refused their 
assent, claiming for their society the exclusive right to 
its use on all occasions, excepting when the house was 
required for holding public town meetings. 

The claimants, on the other hand, contended that the 
house was under the control of the town ; was erected for 
the exclusive use of no particular society ; that it had been 
repaired by the town, and used as a town-house from the 
time of its erection. 

At a town meeting called to investigate the subject, a 
committee of two persons (one selected from each of the 
two contending parties) was chosen, to consult the Hon. 
George Sullivan, then Attorney- General, upon the ques- 
tion. Of this committee, Edward Gould, Esq., was 
appointed on the part of the Universalists and Baptists; 
and John Mills, Jr., Esquire, to represent the Congrega- 
tionalists. At a subsequent meeting the committee re- 
ported Mr, Sullivan's opinion, which was, in substance, 
that a majority of the legal voters in town could control 
the use of the house in religious as well as all other matters. 
A committee was, in consequence, appointed to apportion 
the number of Sabbaths in the year to be allotted to each 
society. 

In consequence of these proceedings, the Congregational 
Society abandoned the old meeting-house, as a place for 
their w^orship, and erected a house on the site of Col. Wil- 
liam Stark's former dwelling-house, which was taken 
down to make room for the new editice. It therefore 
stands upon Lot No. Nine (the old school lot), in the third 
range. 

"When the town purchased a farm for the use of their 
poor, at a meeting held September 2, 1837, a vote was 
passed, as follows : " 2. Voted, To take the surplus reve- 
nue fund, belonging to said town, to pay for a farm that 



34 HISTORY OF DUNBARTOX. 

said t()\Yii boin;-lit tortlic bi'iicfit of tlicir poor. " 3. Voted, 
To Jtii'c so inucL of the pnl)lie money belonging to said 
town as Avill pay for the remainder of said fiirm. " 4. 
Chose Charles Stinson agent to hire so nmcli of the said 
money of the said town, as will pay for the remainder of 
the said farm." 

In consequence of this ap[)lieation of all the avaihible 
portion of the parsonage fund, the interest of the sum thus 
applied was raised by a tax upon ratable polls and estates 
until 1858, when the assessment of a tax for that pur[>ose 
was forbidden by a legal voter. Able jurists have been 
consulted, and their o[)inion concedes the fact, that the 
town have, although unintentionally, voted away the par- 
sonage fund, beyond any present hope of recovery. The 
different religious societies are consequently dejirived 
annually of the sum of two hundi-ed and twenty-iive dol- 
lars. 

In granting townships, the Lord Proprietors usually set 
apart a right, called the " School Lot." Such a right was 
reserved in this town. At the proprietors' meeting, March 
2, 1752, after voting the parsonage lot, another lot was 
voted, as the record states, " for tlie use and maintenance 
of a school forever." In a warrant, dated May 24, 1761, 
calling a meeting on the second Tuesday of June follow- 
ing, the second article is, " to see if the })ropriet()rs will 
change away the School lot, which is the ninth in the third 
range, for the twelfth lot in the fourth range, if Ca|)tain 
A\'iHi;im Stark will pui'chase said twelfth lot, to lay Ibr the 
use of the scliool in said town." 

At the meeting, held in consequence of this wan-aut, it 
Avas — " Votn/ and freely consented to by the proprietors of 
Starkstown, that tlie ninth lot in the third range should be 
exchanged for the twelfth, in the fourth range, which 
twelfth lot is to lay for tlie use of the school forever, in the 
room of the ninth lot in the tliird range." 

Long before tlie passage of this vote, William Stark had 
erected his dwelling-house u[>on lot Xo. Nine, for which 
he never [laid, nor after this vote did ho ever purchase lot 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTOX. 35 

'No. twelve, in the fourth range,* which was to be ex- 
changed for it ; SO that in fact no exchange took phxcc, the 
conditions of the vote not having on his part been fulfilled. 
He therefore had no title to lot No. Nive, or lot No. 
Twelve. After his departure to join the British army in 
1776, and sudden death the same year, his family remained 
npon the premises, their possession of which and claim for 
improvements constituting their sole title. The land was, 
in consequence, not coniiscated with his other property. 
His non-performance of the conditions of exchange, ac- 
cording to the intent and meaning of the foregoing vote, 
created much difficulty, and rendered the grant of the pro- 
prietors for a school of but little benefit to the inhabitants. 
To recoverthis lot, the town appointed several committees 
to negotiate with his widow, as will appear in another part 
of this work. At a meeting, August 29, 1808, the town 
" Yoied, That the selectmen pay no attention to widow 
Mary McGwinn, under the present circumstances." At the 
adjourned meeting, March 21, 1809, the town " Voted, 
That the selectmen attend to Mrs. McGwinn's situation, 
and make provision for her, and likewise look up her 
property, if any she may have." 

An article was inserted in the warrant of March, 1810, 
" to see if the town will take into consideration and de- 
vise measures to recover the school lot, now occupied by 
Thomas Stark and others." At the ensuing meeting they 
— " Voted, To accept the verbal report of the committee 
respecting the school lot." 

At the adjourned meeting, March 26, 1810 : " Vo(c(/, To 
choose a committee of two, to make inquiry into the con- 
dition of the original school lot, and to make a report at a 
future meeting. Chose David Story, Esq., and Major J. 
Mills, committee." 

The town assisted Mrs. McGwinn, and eventually ob- 
tained possession of the school lot, which was sold or leased 
999 years, to Stephen Johnson, against whom an action of 

* Lot No. 12, range 4, was granted to Captain John Stark, for the first 
saw-mill. It is now called the Ladd lot. 



36 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

ejectment was commenced in behalf of the heirs of Wil- 
liam Stark, (or perhaps in his own behalf) by the Hon. 
Charles II. Atherton. His action, however, could not be 
sustained. An article in the w^arrant of 1823, " to see if 
the town will consider Stephen Johnson, in his late farm 
law-suit," was dismissed. 

At the meeting, in March, 1771, the sum of thirty (h)llars 
was appropriated for a town school, which appears to be 
the first for that purpose upon record. The same amount 
was annually appropriated during the 3'ears 1772, '3, '4 and 
'5. In 1776 the school money was voted down, as was the 
case from that date until March 22, 1786, when the sura of 
seventy-two dollars was voted for the town school. In 
1788, the town " Voted, To raise eighty dollars for a town 
school* ; and that the selectmen divide the town into 
proper districts for a town school, and that no men send 
from one district to another." In 1789, " Voted, To raise 
twenty-four })()unds for a town school." In 1790, " Voted, 
Twenty-four pounds for a town school ;" and in 1791 
*' thirty-five pounds were voted for the use of a school." 

The law of 1791, which directed a tax to be assessed, 
amounting to seven thousand five hundred pounds stir- 
ling, upon the several towns, in [)roportion to their tax- 
able property, gave a direct impulse to the common schools 
throughout the State. 

Prior to the passage of the act of 1805, Dunbarton had 
been divided into three districts, each containing a school- 
house. Mr. Robert Hogg, a person of education, from 
England, known as " Master Hogg," is the principal male 
teacher; and Miss Sarah Ckuncnt, the most noted female 
teacher, of whom the tradition of those times has informed 
us. The principal books furnished to these primitive 
schools were the Bible, Psalter, New-England Primer, and 
Dihvorth's Spelling Book. We have now in possession two 
books which Captain Caleb Page directed Ivev. William 
Fessenden to procure for the use of his grandson, Caleb 

* In referring to the school lot the language of the record is " a town 
school," "a sc/iool," or "the school." 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 37 

Stark. They are Salmon's Historical Grammar, and Fen- 
ning's Dictionary. We have acquired much information 
from each of them. With the progress of our country's 
advance, circumstances have changed ; and in no particu- 
lar more ostensibly than in the facilities atforded for mental 
improvement. Public encouragement has exerted a won- 
derful influence over the common schools of !N"ew-Hamp- 
shire, and acted with talismanic power upon the system 
of education in our own as well as in other towns. It is 
our confident hope and trust, that the youth of this genera- 
tion, and others who may hereafter appear in their places, 
may improve and justly appreciate the superior advantages 
which they enjoy over those which fell to the lot of their 
ancestors. 

For several years after the settlement of the town com- 
menced, the nearest grain-mill w^as at Concord, to which 
the settlers carried grists upon their backs in summer, and 
in winter drew them upon hand-sleds, through a path 
marked by spotted trees. From the trees of the forest 
many of these hardy pioneers, who could relish coarser 
preparations, with much labor, formed large mortars, in 
which their corn could be rendered fit for making samp 
and hominy — the use of which they learned from their In- 
dian predecessors. Flax w^as generally cultivated, and its 
manufacture into cloth for common garments, as also into 
fine linen, afforded a familiar employment to the wives and 
daughters of these Scotch-Irish settlers. Potatoes were 
cultivated ; but, not being at that period, as at present, ar- 
ticles of general requisition, a few bushels (three or four) 
were considered an abundant supply for a family. 

The trees marked by the king's surveyors were impedi- 
ments in the husbandman's progress. Any damage which 
occurred to them in clearing the land, subjected the offender 
to a considerable fine. These trees w^ere reserved in all 
grants, for the use of the royal navy. They were marked, 
and by the surveyors registered in books. 

JN'otwiths tan ding all these difficulties, hardships and pri- 
vations, these sturdy foresters possessed many sources of 



38 HISTORY OF DUMBARTON. 

enjoyment ; horse races were common ; Imskings, wool 
shearings, flax breakings, apple pearings, house raisings 
and spinning bees w^ere joyful scenes to the people of those 
days. But few of tliese industrial pastimes are now" in 
fiishion with their posterity; but the legacies of broad 
lands and liberty, l)equeathed them l)y their untutored, but 
industrious, and intrepid progenitors, should induce them 
to venerate their memory, and honor the land of their birth. 

" BrPiiths there the man with soul so dead 

AVho never to himself hath said. 

This is my own, my native land! 

Whose heart liath ne'er witliin liim burned 

As homo, his footsteps he hath turned. 

From wandering on a foreign strand ! "' — Scott. 

^Ve insert the following from the Edinburgh Kncyclo- 
poedia, })resuming the occupants of " ourgudetowne " may 
be interested by a description of the time-honored castle, 
from which its name was derived : 

DUMBARTON, TOWN AND CASTLE. 

"Dumbarton is a town of Scotland, situated at the con- 
fluence of the rivers Clyde and Leven, within the parish 
and county of the same name. Dambritton (the fort of 
Britons) was the ancient name of the castle, which has 
been a place of strengtli from the earliest times, and was 
long deemed impregmdjle. It is a bold, insulated basaltic 
rock, rising to a great height out of the sands on the north 
side of the Clyde. 

"It is naturally inaccessible ; but by artificial means, on 
the north-east side, where it is strongly fortified, access to 
the summit is obtained. Near the top it divides into two 
points, on which batteries are erected. In the hollow be- 
twixt these, there are a battery, barracks for the garrison, 
and a well which afibrds a constant supply of water. 
*Bede says, that this fortress, was Aclidth or Anclidd (a 
place on the Cluid, or Clyde). Boethius aflirms that the 
Caledonians possessed it before the Britons, and that it 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTOX. 39 

successfully resisted the attacks of Agricola* by whom it 
was besieged. In the reign of Egbert, of Northumberland, 
(A. 1). 156) it was, however, reduced by famine, and again 
in 1571, during the troubles of Queen Mary's reign, it was 
taken by escalade and surprise. Fleming, the Governor, 
who was in Mary's interest, vaunted that he held in his 
hands the fetters of Scotland, and that he could, with little 
assistance, easily put them on. A common soldier, how- 
ever, broke these boasted chains. lie proposed to scale 
the rock and fortifications in the night. He, with some 
intrepid followers, succeeded in the perilous enterprise, 
and placed in the hands of the Regent the only fort occu- 
pied for the Queen. It is one of the Scottish forts which 
are still kept in repair and garrisoned. Some parts of the 
rock are magnetic." =f= * * * " The prospect from the 
top of the castle is extensive and varied. Loch Lomond, 
the Clyde, and the Leven, an interminable range of moun- 
tains, overtopped by Ben Lomond, and the towns of Glas- 
gow, Greenock, Port Glasgow, and Dumbarton, with the 
villages, gentlemen's seats, and cottages, with which the 
rich intervening valleys are covered, form an assemblage 
of objects peculiarly interesting. 

" The town of Dumbarton, situated a little to the north- 
west of the castle, on the eastern bank of the Leven, which 
flows nearly round it, is a royal burgh ; and was erected 
in 1221, by Alexander 11. It sends a member to Parlia- 
ment, along with the burghs of Glasgow, Renfrew, and 
Ruther Glen. It consists chiefly of one large street in a 
crescent form. The houses are general 1}^ old. The in- 
habitants amount to about two thousand." — Edinburgh En- 
cydopcedla. 

The eighth day of April, 1751, may be considered the 
birth day of this town (Dunbarton, N. H). 

*Agricola, father-in-law of the historian Tacitus, commanded the Ko- 
man armies in Britain, in the reign of Domitian, and defeated the Caledo- 
nians (100,000 men) under their leader Galgacus, in a great and decisive 
battle, at the foot of the Grampian Hills. 



40 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

rKOPRIETOKS' RECORDS— Advertisement. 

The proprietors of a tract of land granted to Archibald 
Stark and others, are hereby notified to meet at the house 
of Samuel Rankin, in Londonderry, innholder, on Mon- 
day, the eighth day of April next, at ten o'clock in the 
forenoon : 

Firstly. To meet with Colonel Blanchard, and hear their 
charter read, that he has drafted, and approve or not ap- 
prove of it. 

Secondly. To see who are the persons that will make 
settlement this spring, and to act and do any other mat- 
ters or things as shall be then judged for the advantage of 
the proprietors in every account. Dated at Londonderry, 
March ye 27, 1751. 

Testis: Alexander McMurphy, Clerk. 



John IIoog, 

Hugh Ramsey, ^ Committee. 

Archibald Stark, j 



1 



At a meeting holden at the house of Samuel Rankin, 
innholder, in Londonderry, met agreeably to the foregoing 
warning, A])ril ye 8th, 1751 : 

Firstly. Voted, Samuel Emerson, Esq., moderator for said 
meeting. 

Secondly. Voted, That our charter shall run in the same 
tenor of this that we have heard read ; also. Voted, That 
all those shares which have not paid in fact their full quota, 
the sum of thirty pounds for each right, in such time as 
the charter of the proprietors has or shall order, and those, 
wdiich, with the privileges of non-settlement, are pur- 
chased, have likewise agreed to, shall likewise be forfeited 
to the settler ; and that this be an article entered in the 
charter. 

Also, Voted, That ye highways shall go where the ma- 
jority of the proprietors shall choose ; also. Voted, That 
the thirty that are to settle first shall have three acres of 
land cleared by the last day of October next, and have the 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 41 

same fenced in ; and a liouse, not less than sixteen feet 
sqnaro, and their fiimilies tliere, by the last day of ]SIay 
next following. 

Testis : Alexander McMurpiiy, Clerk. 

Province of New-Hampshire. At a meeting of the 
proprietors of the lands purchased of John Tufton Mason, 
Esq., at Portsmouth, held on Monday, the second day of 
March, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven 
hundred and fifty-two. Therefore, Voted, That there l)e and 
hereby is granted unto Archibald Stark, William Stark, 
John Stark, Archibald Stark, Jr., all of a place called 
Amoskeag, in the province of New-Hampshire ; the Rev. 
David McGregor, Robert McMurphy, William Rankin, 
William Stinson, John Cochran, James Evans, Hugh 
Dunshee, John McCurdy, John Carr, John Cochran, 
Hugh Jameson, David Stinson, Joseph Scoby, Matthew 
Thornton, Daniel McCnrd}-, John Carr, John Cochran, 
Dr. Alexander Todd, William Hogg, James McCregore, 
David Leslie, George Clark, William Rankin, William 
Stinson, James Rogers, James Cochran, John McDuflie, 
James McGregore, Samuel Todd, David Craige, all of 
Londonderry, in said province ; Thomas Mills, Samuel 
Hogg, Caleb Page, Jr., Samuel Richards, Thomas Fol- 
lansbee, Jr., all of Hampstead, in said province; and Jere- 
miah Page, of said place ; William Elliot, John Hall, 
Adam Dickey, all of Derryfield, in said province ; Joseph 
P)lanchard, Esq., Joseph Blanchard, Jr., both of Dunstable, 
in said province ; Joseph Putney, James Rogers, (their 
eldest sons for one right), all living on the tract of land 
hereby granted ; William Putney and Obadiah Foster, of 
the same place, for one hundred acres, and the remaining 
part of the share or right to Hugh Ramsay, of said Lon- 
donderry ; John Morton, of Portsmouth, in said province, 
and George Mussey, of said Portsmouth ; William Stark, 
(William Stark, above named, having three rights, being- 
the same man), and Archibald Stark, above named ; 
Samuel Emerson, Esq., James Varnum, both of Chester, 
4 



42 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

in said province ; John Campbell, of Haverhill, William 
Hyslop, of Boston, both in the province of jMassaclui setts 
Bay ; AVilliam Gault, of Canterbury, in the province of 
New-ITanipshire ; Samuel Fulton, late of said London- 
derry: K([ually as excepting aforesaid, to them and their 
lieirs and assigns, excepting as hereafter excepted, on the 
terms, conditions and limitations hereinafter expressed, 
all the right, title, estate, interest and property of the said 
proprietors, of, in and unto all that tract or jiarcel of land, 
about five miles square, more or less, situated in the 
province of New-Hampshire, and bounded as follows : 
Beginning at the maiti river, on the northerly side of a 
tract of land lately granted by said proprietors to Thomas 
Parker and others, and running westward as far as that 
tract of land runs, joining on the same; then running 
north, two degrees west, five miles and one hundred and 
eighty rods ; then north, seventy-nine rods east, till it 
comes to Bowline; then southerly, by the township of 
Bow, and continuing by that till it comes to said river; 
then by that till it conies to the place where it begins. 

To have and to hold to them, their heirs and assigns, as 
aforesaid, on the following terms and conditions, namely: 
That the division already made, and the lots, as they have 
been numbered and drawn, shall be and hereby is ratified 
and confirmed as a full and eftectual severance and divi- 
sion of the said tract of land, to hold the respective lots 
to the person or persons to whose name or names the re- 
spective numbers of said lots are affixed, and to his and 
their heirs and assigns, excepting as is hereinafter other- 
wise mentioned : That the said grantees make a settlement 
on the said tract of land in the following manner, viz. : 
That thirty families be settled on the said tract of land, 
each having a house of sixteen feet square, or equal thereto, 
on the same lot, belonging to the respective owners of thirty 
shares among the said grantees ; and that ea^-h of the said 
thirty liave three acres of land fitted for tillage or mowing, 
on one of the lots belonging to each respective share of 
the thirty, by the last day of May next ; and shall clear 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 43 

three acres of land more yearly, on one lot of each of the 
thirty shares aforesaid for the term of two years from the 
said last day of May next : That ten families more shall 
be settled on the lots belonging to ten other shares of the 
said grantees, having an house of the dimensions aforesaid, 
and three acres of land cleared on a lot belono-inci: to each 
of said shares, by the expiration of three years, to be com- 
puted from the last day of May next, which ten families 
are each to proceed in clearing three acres yearly for the 
two years then next succeeding, in manner as aforesaid : 

And that ten families more be settled on the lots be- 
longing to ten other shares of the said grantees, each 
having an house on a lot belonging to the respective 
shares, of the same dimensions as aforesaid, and three 
acres of land cleared as aforesaid, within five years from 
May next, and to proceed in clearing three acres more 
yearly the two next succeeding years, as aforesaid : That 
David Stinson, David McGregore, James McGregore, 
David Lesley, Samuel Fulton, Archibald Stark, (Archi- 
bald Stark for one more) George Clark, William Eankin 
and William Stinson, make or cause to be made the settle- 
ment of the first ten families above mentioned : 

That Joseph Blanchard, James Rogers, John Camp- 
bell, Samuel Emerson, James Cochran, Matthew Ramsay, 
James Varnum, John McDuffie, Robert McMurphy and 
Archibald Stark, make or cause to be made the settlement 
of the second ten families above mentioned ; and that 
William Gault, William Stark, Joseph Blanchard, Esq., 
William Hyslop, James McGregore, William Stark, Adam 
Dickey, Jeremiah Page, Samuel Todd, and David Craige, 
in consideration of their having paid a certain sum of 
money to the settlers to carry on the settlement, be and 
hereby are exempted from making any settlement on their 
shares : 

That in order to carry on the said settlement to effect, 
each of the aforesaid grantees pay all such sum and sums 
of money as shall be voted to be raised by the major part 
of the said grantees, at any regular meeting of them. 



44 HISTORY OF DUNP.ARTON'. 

according to .sncli rules as have been or shall be agreed upon 
hy them for calling the same, to such person or persons, 
and at such time as they sliall determine as aforesaid ; and 
in default of such payment, that the part, share and right 
of the grantee who shall refuse or neglect to pay as afore- 
said, in and to said land, shall be and hereby is subject to 
and charged with the payment thereof; and the person or 
persons appointed to receive such sum or sums of money 
as aforesaid, shall and hereby have full power and author- 
ity to sell so much thereof, as near as it can be conveniently 
done, as will raise money sufficient for such payment, with 
all incidental charges, as occasion shall require, from time 
to time, giving the delinquent person three weeks' notice 
of such design before the sale is actually made : 

Tiiat a meeting-liouse of sutlicient dimensions be built 
on said land within five years from next May, tit for preach- 
ing in, and that the grantees maintain the preaching of 
the gospel there constantly after six years from next May : 

That any and every of the said grantees who shall 
neglect to perform and fulfill every article, matter and 
thing herein enjoined for him to do, he shall forfeit his 
whole right, share and interest in and to the said tract of 
land, to those of said grantees who shall have done and 
performed the same for themselves ; and they shall have 
the term of one year after such forfeiture accrues, (which 
shall 1)0 reckoned and iidjudged to be immediately on the 
expiration of the time herein alloAved for the doing any of 
the said matters and things) to settle or cause such forfeited 
right ov share to be settled : 

That twenty-five of the said rights and shares be and 
hereby are reserved to the said grantors, their heirs and 
assigns ; and one said share [shall] be for the first minis- 
ter, his heirs and assigns, who shall there continue till he 
is regularly dismissed, or as long as he shall live; that 
another of said shares shall be for the use of the ministry 
there forever ; and another for the use and maintenance of 
a school there forever ; that these three shares, with 
twenty-two of those above reserved, shall be and liereb}' 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 45 

are exempted and fully exonerated from any and every 
duty, charge, matter and thing relating to the making of 
the said settlement, and from all taxes and charges, until 
improved by the owners of each respective right: 

That all highways that shall be laid out on said land 
shall be by a committee, to be appointed for that purj)ose 
by the grantors and grantees; only the person on whose 
land such way shall run not to be paid for the same. 

And if the said settlement shall not be made as afore- 
said, according to the true intent and meaning thereof, 
and by the last period of time limited as aforesaid, for the 
doing thereof, the whole grant to be null and void ; and 
the said land to revert, return, or remain the right, estate 
and property of the grantors, as though this vote had 
never been passed : 

Reserving, also, white pine trees standing and growing 
on said premises, which are hereby granted to his Majesty, 
his heirs and successors : that the lots in the aforesaid 
division, set off and numbered to John Twigg, shall be 
and hereby are appropriated to Archibald Stark ; those to 
James Adams are appropriated to Thomas Mills ; John 
McAllister's to Archibald Stark, William Carr's to John 
Stark, Archibald Stark's to John Campbell, John Hogg's 
to William Hogg, Matthew Morton's to John McCurdy, 
John Stark's to William Stinson, Hugh Ramsay's to Wil- 
liam Hyslop, Samuel Rankin's to Robert McMurphy, 
Samuel Stinson's to David Stinson, John Stinson's to Wil- 
liam Stark, Alexander Gault's to James Evans, Archibald 
Cunningham's to James McGregore, John Horner's to 
AVilliam Stark, Thomas Hall's to William Rankin, Samuel 
Caldwell's to Joseph Blanchard, Esq., John Ramsay's to 
William Putney, and Obadiah Foster's for one hundred 
acres, and the rest, or remaining lots, to Hugh Ramsay, to 
hold to them and their respective heirs and assigns : 

That four of the said reserved shares, being the lots 
numbered twelve in the first range, two in the second 
range, twelve in the fourth range, ten on the south side in 
the seventh range, one and two in the thirteenth range, 



46 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

are hereby irranted to tlie said grantees, tlu'ir heirs and 
assigns, u})on tlie conditions aforesaid ; that the remaining 
land Avithin the boujids aforesaid,- wliich is not compre- 
hended within the said divisions, shall be hereafter divided 
between the said grantors and grantees, in the proportion 
aforesaid : that is, the grantors having seventeen shares 
thereof, and the grantees being at the charge of the divis- 
ion, and making the settlement and complying with the 
terms and conditions herein before limited and expressed ; 
and the lot in said divisions numbered two north and 
numbered three in the seventh ranjje, beinij one of the 
said reserved shares, be and hereby is granted to Xoah 
Emery, of Kitterv, gent., his heirs and assigns, exem})ted 
and exonerated from the duty of settling and paying any 
charge, tax and expense, until improved by him or them ; 
and in case there shall be an Indian war within any of the 
times limited for the doing the several matters and things 
aforesaid respectively, the said terms to be allowed for any 
of the said matters after that im})ediment shall be removed. 
Lastly : The grantors do hereby engage and promise to 
the said grantees to defend them and their heirs and 
assigns against all and every action and lawsuit that shall 
be prosecuted, moved and stirred against them, and any 
of them, b}' any person whomsoever, claiming the said 
land, or any })art thereof, by any other title than the title 
of the said grantors, or that from which theirs was de- 
rived ; with this condition and limitation, that in case the 
said grantees, tlieir heirs or assigns, bo ejected and ousted 
l)y any such right or title, then they shall recover 
nothing of and from the said grantors, their heirs, execu- 
tors or administrators, for the land hereby granted ; nor 
for any labor or expense whatever which they shall have 
been or shall l)e at in consequence of this grant ; and the 
lots in said division called Law" Lots, number one, be for 
Matthew Livermore, his heirs and assigns, and that called 
lot number two be to William Parker, his heirs and 
assigns. 

Attes:t : Alexander McMurphy, 

Proprietors' Clerk. 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 47 

These are to give notice to the proprietors of the town- 
ship or grant, \ymg upon the westerly side of the main 
river, commonly called and known by the name of Starks- 
town, or Grrant, to assemble and meet at the house of Mr. 
Samuel Rankin, of Londonderry, innholder, on Tuesday, 
the seventh day of April next, at ten of the clock in the 
forenoon, then and there — 

Firstly, To choose a moderator, to regulate and govern 
said meeting. 

Secondly. To choose a town-clerk for such town or 
grant, to enter what records the proprietors shall judge 
needful relating to the affairs of said township. 

Thirdly. To see what the proprietors will allow as a 
recompense to the Hon. Joseph Blanchard, Esq., for his 
expenses, time and trouble in attending upon William 
Parker, Esq., in drawing the new charter, or grant, and 
getting the charter or grant recorded by the clerk of the 
purchasers of John Tufton Mason's right, and the drawing 
the aforesaid new charter, or grant, drawn by the afore- 
said "William Parker, or any other charge that has arisen 
thereb3\ 

Fourthly. To see if the proprietors will choose one or 
more surveyors, for clearing the highways already worked 
upon, or any other that may he necessary, not yet laid out. 

Fifthly. To hear the former and present committee's 
accounts read, and approve or not approve. 

Sixthly. To see if the proprietors will consider of some 
expedient to rectify the mistake relating to a iifty acre lot 
in said town, or grant, wanting to the original right of 
Hugh Dunshee, or Adam Dickey, as it ma}' most justly 
appear by examination. 

John Hogg, 1 _ 

TT -r. \ Committee. 

Hugh Kamsay, j 

Attest : Alexander McMurphy, Clerk. 



48 HISTORY OF DUNBARTOX. 

Londonderry, April y"" 7tli, 1752. Met accordiiio- to the 
foregoing warning. At a meeting of the })r()})riotors of 
the town called Starkstown : 

Firstly. Voted, Samuel Emerson, Esq., moderator for 
said nK'i,'ting. 

Secondly. Voted, Alexander McMiirphy clerk for said 
town. 

Thirdly. Voted, That Col. Joseph Blanchard, Esq., have 
sixty i)ounds, old tenor, for liis ex[>ense and trouble in ob- 
taining a new charter for Starkstown (so called) ; also, 
Voted, That William Parker, Esq., be paid for drawing 
the ne^v charter. 

Fourthly. A\)ted, That Caleb Page, Jr., William Stin- 
son and Jolm McCurdy be surveyors of the highways. 

Lastly. Voted, To dismiss the other two articles in the 
warning. 

Attest : Alexander ]\Ic.\[lrpiiy, Clerk. 



These are to give notice to all pro})rietors that belong to 
that tract of land lying to the westward of the (Ireat 
River, granted to Archibald Stark, Caleb Page and asso- 
ciates, by the purchasers of John Tufton Mason, Esq's 
right to the west lands in the Province of Xcw-IIamp- 
shiie, that they meet at or near that part of said tract of 
land where Daniel and John AlcC^urdy are now settled 
upon, and that tliey meet at or near said place njjon the 
third Tuesday in October next (new style) at twelve of the 
clock, then and there, 

Firstly. To choose a moderator for said meeting. 

Secondly. To examine into and see who of the propri- 
etors liave complied with the conditions of the charier of 
said land, and who are delin(pient. 

Thii'diy. To see wliether tin' proprietors will (.-boose a 
committee to disj^ose of those proprietors' shares that have 
not com))lied with the conditions of said charter, and are 
delinquent, whether in not settlement, or paying the 
money, agreeable to said charter. 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 49 

Fourthly. To see if the proprietors will allow Alexander 
McMurpliy for his trouble and charge that he will and 
shall make justly appear, that he has been at in suppress- 
ing some trespassed upon our land in said township, and 
this shall be your warrant. 

Given under our hands this 26th day of August, 1752. 

Archibald Stark, ^ 

John Hogg, V Committee. 

Hugh Ramsay, j 

Attest: Alexander McMuR PHY, Clerk. 



At a meeting of the proprietors of Starkstown (so called) 
on the 17th day of October, 1752, (new style); mgt accord- 
ins: to the foregoing warning. 

Firstly. Voted, That Caleb Page be moderator for said 
meeting: 

Secondly. Voted, That Samuel Rankin, Caleb Page and 
Alexander McMurphy be a committee to examine into 
and see who of the proprietors have complied with the 
conditions of the charter of said land, and who are delin- 
quent ; and to proceed upon said enquiry y'^ 13th day of 
November next. 

Voted, That this meeting be adjourned till x" first Tues- 
day of December next, at twelve of y^ clock, at John 
Hall's, of Derryfield, innholdcr. 

December 5ih. Met according to adjournment. 

Firstly. Upon the adjournment, — Voted, That Caleb 
Page, John Hogg and Samuel Rankin be a committee to 
go a second time, some time before y® first of April next : 
and those that have not then complied with the articles in 
y^ charter, then the aforesaid committee to proceed to sell 
the delinquents' rights by public vendue, as sooii as the 
same can be notified. 

Secondly. Voted, Upon the fourth article of the warrant, 
that Alexander McMurphy have the charges and expenses 
he has been at, and those he employed in detecting tres- 



50 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

passers, amounting to forty-nine pounds two sliillings and 
sixpensc, old tenor. Voted, Tliat the meeting be ad- 
journed to the first Tuesday of April, 1753, at Samuel 
Rankin's, of Londonderry, innhohler.* 



April M. Met according to adjournment. 

Voted, That the delinquents' rights should be sold by 
public vendue. Voted, That y^ meeting be adjourned 
till the first Tuesday of May next, at iSaniuel Kankin's, 
of Londonderry, innholder. 

Moij 1st. Met according to adjournment. 

Firstly. Voted, That as to the three rights : viz., IFugh 
Jameson's, Alexander Todd's and Tliomas Follansbee's, 
that the 'feale of said rights are dropped. 

Voted, That Caleb Page be appointed agent for and in 
behalf of this Proprietee,* to see performed their duty in 
the township called Starkstown ; to enter into and [torn 
out] right and share of every delinquent grantee, and 
in behalf of this Proj^r^V/ce and for their use, their heirs 
and assigns, to take possession of each delinquent's right 
or rights, and that he be directed to take with him two 
lawful evidences, to see his entry and taking possession, as 
aforesaid; and that he get the aforesaid evidences sworn 
in per[)etual memory before lawful authority, and that he 
be jKiid by tlie Proprietee for his own time, and for all his 
charges therein ; and that he make report of his whole pro- 
ceedings thereon at the next adjournment of this meeting. 

Also, Voted, That whereas Mr. Caleb Page hath pur- 
chased the right drawn by Col. Harvey and others, one of 
the grantor's shares in said townsnip, and lie, apprehend- 
ins: an earlier and more advantaijeous settlement can be 
made thereon than on some of the rights he claims in 
to\vn, and desirous — he paying equal charges for said pur- 
chased right, as well as for his others — that he may have 
his duty of settlement remain, and liberty to do it on said 

* In niiiny instances in those records the words, l'r('priet;i, Proprietee 
and Proprioritij arc used to signify the townsiiip, or the company of pro- 
prietors, acting as a body. 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 51 

Harvey's right, and on others, hy him to be particuUirly 
shewn at the next adjournment of this meeting, to be ex- 
cused from settlement and receive equal privileges in every 
respect as if the duty of settlement had been done on the 
right encumbered with such duty, to be by him shewn as 
before said : 

Therefore : Voted, That his request be granted, on his 
paying the constant future charges of the said purchased 
right, equal to another grantee, and shew which is the 
right to be excused in lieu thereof, at the next adjourn- 
ment of this meeting. 

Voted, That the aforesaid particulars be agreed upon. 

Also : Voted, That all charges and taxes, as well the 
first thirty pounds as the purchase of the privilege for the 
delay of settlement on the rights of Joseph Blauchard, 
Esq., and Joseph Blanchard, Jr., in Starkstown (so called) 
in consideration of the services the said Joseph Blanchard 
has done for this Proprietce ; and all grants of money by us 
heretofore made him, down to this day, be discounted and 
discharged in full, so for as either of them are at this time 
concerned. 

Also, Voted, That three pounds old tenor be paid by 
each respective grantee and grantor's right, liable to pay 
taxes, within thirty-five days from this date, and the same 
to be paid to Mr. Samuel Rankin as collector and treasurer 
for this Frojmctee, to defray the necessarj^ charges, risen 
and arising in bringing forward the settlement, and other 
necessary charges, by him to pay out to y*-' orders of the 
committee for prudentials. 

Also, Voted, This meeting be adjourned to y*^ tenth of 
this instant May, 1753, at twelve of the clock, at Mr. Sam- 
uel Rankin's, of Londonderry, innholder. 

Met according to adjournment y^ tenth of May, 1753, 
at Mr. Samuel Rankin's. 

Whereas sundry of the grantees of this township have 
concluded their duty, enjoyned by charter, to be performed 
by the last day of May last passed, and by their privilege 



52 HISTORY OF DUNBARTOX. 

granted, those of the i;Taiitees wlio were not delinquent 
on their part, to tlie entry upon and unto all such delin- 
quents' rights, and to dispose of the same for their use, 
their heirs and assigns, provided such non-delinquents 
settle the same in such manner as such delinquent grantees 
ought to have done ; and inasmuch as their forbearance and 
not claiming of the non-delinquents has suspended the 
disposal of such rights so long after the time of their priv- 
ilege, in hopes and ex|)ectation that eacli owner would 
reap the sole bcneiit of his own grant, and the society not 
be incumbered : But many still remaining delinciuent, 
this Fropricty looks on themselves, under the necessity for 
their own security, to dispose of all such delinquents' 
rights, or otherwise to secure themselves from suffering 
by such delinquents : 

Therefore — Voted, That all delinquents' rights in said 
township be disposed of to the highest bidder, whereon a 
seizure is already taken at this meeting ; and as to those 
that are not, such seizure be immediately made, and like- 
wise disposed of, taking security for each purchaser for 
performance in season, unless, at this meeting, some good 
security l.te given on their ])elialf, or Ity themselves, they 
enter into such bonds us shall be at this meeting further 
directed for the security of the Propriety, and give their 
answer loi- tlie same immediately after the passing this vote. 

Voted unanimously the foregoing particulars ; also voted 
that all such delinquents, in pursuance of the vote afore- 
said, give bond to the treasurer of this society and to his 
successor in said trust, obligated in the sum of three hun- 
dred pounds, new tenor, conditioned that the whole duty 
enjoined by cliarter to be done 1)y tlie last day ol' this 
instant May, be done on or before the last day of October 
next; and on failure thereof to pay all danniges that shall 
accrue to the Proprictij for the future, by means of such 
delinquents, and as a i'nrther condition tliat on lailure of 
making a complete settlement, according to the full intent 
of the charter, by the first day of Xovember next, they be 
subjected, as a further comlition for each right, to pa}', as 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 53 

a consideration for their delay, the sum of forty pounds, 
new tenor. Also : Voted the foregoing article nnan- 
mously. 

Also : Voted, That Thomas Follansbee, Jr.'s original 
right is to be sold by public vendue to the highest bidder. 
Accordingly the same was put up to sale, and Mr. Samuel 
Rankin, as highest bidder, purchased the same at one 
hundred and fifteen pounds, old tenor, payable to this 
Proj)rtcUj in six months from this day ; and inasmuch as 
the security was to be given to the treasurer of this society, 
who is the said Samuel Rankin, therefore : Voted, That the 
security for the said sum be given to the present clerk and 
his successor in said trust, for the use of this Proj)riety, 
payable at the time aforesaid. Voted, unanimously, the 
foregoing articles. 

Also : Voted, That Mr. Hugh Rankin be and hereby is 
fully impowered and authorized, as agent, in the name 
and behalf of this Propriety, to give and lawfully execute 
a good deed of quitclaim of the right, property and pos- 
session of this Propriety, and all the after divisions and 
reversions of the right of Thomas Follansbee, Jr., a 
grantee in said township, who has wholly forfeited his 
right by failure of his performance of y*^ duty of settle- 
ment ; and to warrant the same against the said Thomas, 
his heirs and assigns, to Mr. Samuel Rankin, his heirs 
and assigns, forever, for the consideration of the sum of 
one hundred and fifteen pounds, old tenor. 

Voted, That this meeting be adjourned till y^ eleventh 
of this instant, May, 1753, at eleven o'clock in the fore- 
noon, at Mr. Samuel Rankin's. 

3Iay the eleventh. Met according to adjournment. Also, 
voted, That inasmuch as sundry of the grantees who were 
obliged to do the duty for the first thirty, are delinquent 
therein ; and inasmuch as a premium was to be given to 
such as did comply within the term stated by the charter ; 
therefore, voted. That so much of the money raised by the 
privileged rights as would, by former votes, accrue to those 



54 HISTORY OF DUNBAUTOX. 

grantees, delinquents aforesaid, had tliey performed in 
season, be stayed in the treasurer's hands, and at present 
not paid to them ; and that so much a part thereof as will 
pay tlie exi)en,scs at Mr. Samuel Rankin's, of this Pro- 
imetjj in pu])]ic, exclusive of what is paid by Mr. Kankin 
for those yet remaining unpaid, and to the conclusion of 
this meeting, be granted and paid out of the same ; and 
that of the remainder, all sucli delinquents who shall fulfill 
their duty of the first thirty, that l)y charter was to be 
done by the last day of May, current, old style, by that 
time, although a part thereof to be done the last year was 
not then performed, shall have the benefit and receive of 
the treasurer of this Proprktij such a part of such privi- 
lege purchase, after such charges are first subducted, and 
paying their part of the charge of taking possession, accord- 
ing to vote thereon : that on a certificate from William 
Stinson and Thomas Mills, shewing that such duty is 
effectually performed, according to the tenor of tlieir 
bonds, at their cost, then said treasurer will deliver said 
bonds for fulfilling duty to them, and pay such })art of 
their privilege purchase money, as aforesaid, after the sub- 
ductions aforesaid, on demand : 

And that all such of the said thirty as do not, by the last of 
May current, according to old style, perform said obligation, 
that part of the money by them to have been received, if 
terms had been seasonably complied with, shall remain in 
the treasurer's hands for the further order of this PropricUj. 

Also, voted, That thirty pounds, old tenor, be granted 
to Alexander McMurphy, for his services as proprietors' 
clerk, and in full for his entering and recording the charter 
and votes under y*' former and present charter of this 
Propriety, drawn to this day in y'^ proprietors' book, and 
for all other his charges or certificates in his office. 

Voted, uiumimously, that Col. Blanchard should have 
thirt}' pounds in money, old tenor, paid to him by the 
treasurer of this J^ropriei>/, for his attendance on this meet- 
ing two days, and services done by him for the proprietors 
of Starkstown, in writing and settling the affairs of the 
proprietors. 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 55 

Also, Voted, That the several delinquents of the first 
thirty settlers, in case they give bond, according to the 
tenor of the bond given by Mr. Hugh Ramsay, for like 
deficiency, to the treasurer of this Propriety, Mr. Samuel 
Rankin, subjected to duty and payment at or before 
Wednesday next, and on failure thereof that immediately 
Mr. Caleb Page be directed, at the expense of this Pro- 
priety^ to enter and take possession of all such delinquents' 
rights for the benefit of this Propriety ; and that ho make 
return, at the next adjournment of this meeting, of his 
proceedings; and that the rights of all such delinquents 
who do not give their bonds as aforesaid, be sold according 
to the power in the charter to the nou-delinquent grantees 
given. 

Also, Voted, That Mr. Caleb Page be continued to take 
possession of all the delinquents' rights that are returned 
by Mr. Samuel Rankin, who have not given their bonds 
for performance of their duty, according to the foregoing 
votes relating to this afiair, to Mr. Caleb Page, with the 
number of the lot or lots so returned. 

Voted, That this meeting be adjourned till Monday, 
y^ fourteenth of this instant May, at Mr. Samuel Rankin's, 
at eleven of the clock in the forenoon. 



3Ioy the lUh. Met according to adjournment. Voted, 
Joseph Blanchard, Jr., Moderator, pro tem. Voted, That 
the meeting be dissolved. 

Testis : Alexander McMurphy, 

Proprietors' Clerk. 

N. B. — Whereas this notification was neglected to be 
put up in its proper place, and was essential to the fore- 
going articles, upon finding of it I have inserted it: 

ADVERTISEMENT. % 

Whereas there are several proprietors that are under 
obligations by the grant of that tract of land, known by 
the name of Starkstown, to make immediate settlement 



56 HISTORY OF DUN BARTON. 

upon tlieir respective rights, otherwise they forfeit them, 
so as they are liable to be sold by vote of a major part of 
the proprietors legally assembled, kc. : These are, there- 
fore, to give public notice to all such delincpients, that if 
they do not foi'tlnvith proceed to make settlement, and 
comply with the grant of said tract of land, theii- lands 
will be ex'itosed to public side the first Tuesday in Ajtril 
next, at the house of Mr. Samuel Kankin, in Ijondon- 
derry ; ])arti('ularly the original rights of the several pro- 
prietors heivinafter mentioned, viz. : that of Hugh Jame- 
son, Mr. Todd, Thomas Follansbee, Alexander Gault, 
Joseph Cochran, Archibald Stark, Jr., Hugh Dunshee, 
and several others will, we hope, (the owners of these 
riglits) prevent. 

Given under our hands this 8th day of February, 1753. 

Caleij Page, ^ 

John IIogg, V Committee. 

Samuel Rankin,) 

Testis : Alexander McMurphy, 

J^rojmetors' Clerk. 

These are to give notice to the proprietors of a place 
called Starkstown, that they meet at the dwelling-house 
of Mary Kogers,* in said place, widow, upon Thurs- 
day, the fourth day of October next, at twelve o'clock of 
said day : 

Fii'stly. To choose a moderator, to govern said meeting. 

Secondly. To choose a proprietors' clerk. 

Thirdly. To see if the Proprie()j will choose a committee, 
to lay out what highways they judge needful at present, as 
also the said committee to inspect the highways already, 
have said ^lat they are cleared and made fit for traveling. 

Fourthly. To see if the })roprietors will take some suit- 
able method to oblige the non-resident proprietors to assist 

*AVidow uf James Rogers. 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 57 

in clearing and repairing y® highways that are at present 
necessary for the present settlers, or lay a reasonable tax 
upon each non-resident's right, in order to enable the 
residents or settlers to hire hands to clear the aforesaid 
roads. 

Fifthly. To see if the proprietors will choose a com- 
mittee to call meetings, when it shall appear to them to 
be for the advantage of the whole community, for y* 
present year. 

Sixthly. To see if the proprietors will choose a commit- 
tee to subdivide the land not yet laid out, joining upon 
Bow line, and to consider how much land shall be laid out 
to each right, so as to make each right equal in their 
Propriety. 

Seventhly. To see if the proprietors will build a house 
where it may be judged most advantageous for the public 
society for a house of worship, or meeting-house, and to 
consider the dimensions of the same, and choose a com- 
mittee to see the same done, and raise a tax upon the pro- 
prietors to defray the expense of the same. 

Eighthly. To see what the proprietors will do concern- 
ing the minutes of the lots of said town that are said to 
be lost. 

Ninthly. To choose a committee to see that the votes 
and transactions of said proprietors be all put into the 
proprietors' book, for records of said town, in their proper 
order. 

Given under our hands this eighteenth day of Septem- 
ber, 1753. 

Per order of 



John Hogg, , ,. 

TT -r> > Committee. 

Hugh Ramsay, 



J 



Siarkstoion, October y^ \Uh, 1753. Met according to the 
twegoing warning. 



58 HISTORY OF DUXBARTON. 

Firstly. Voted, That Caleb Page he moderator for said 
meeting. 

Secondly. Voted, That Caleb Page be clei-k for said 
Propriety for the present year. 

Thirdly. Voted, That William Putney, AVilliam Stark 
and \\'illiatn Stinson ]je a committee for laying out roads 
where they are needed, and likewise to see them cleared. 

Fourthly. Voted, That there bo six pounds, old tenor, 
raised upon each right liable to pay taxes, or four days' 
work for a year from this date ; and that there be six days' 
notice given to the nov-residcnkrs, before the work is to 
be done. 

Fifthly. Voted, That the clerk of this Propricf// shall 
warn meetings at the re([uest of seven, or ten, or more. 

Sixthly. Voted, y* (that) William Stark, Caleb Page, Jr. 
and Obadiah Foster be a committee to perambulate the 
line betwixt Bow township and Stark's township. 

Seventhly. Voted, That there be a house for public 
worship built, of thirty feet square, and ten feet posts. 
Also, voted. That Caleb Page, Samuel Pankin and John 
Stark be a committee to build said meeting-house. 

Eighthly. Voted, That Caleb Page, Jr., is appointed to 
find out the bounds of lots that is lost ; and that he have 
another man to be with him at the finding said bounds, 
at the cost of the Propriety. 

Ninthly. Voted, That Archibald Stark, Bcrrors Jewell 
and John ^[cCurdy be a committee to see that y*^ records 
is placed in the book in order. 



Londonderry, the 5(h of October, 1758. Sir : AVe, the 
subscribers, proprietors of Starkstown, so called, desire 
you to notify the proprietors of said town to meet at what 
place you judge most convenient, in said town, the fifth 
Tuesday of October instant, which is the 30tli day of said 
month, in order to take what steps shall be thought need- 



HISTORY OF DIINBARTON. 59 

ful f(M' the encouragement of the settlement, and to do 
those things tliat may then appear proper for tlie advance- 
ment of the interest of the Propriety, at which time we 
propose to attend. 

D. McGregore, James McGregore, John Hogg, Hugh 
Ramsay, James Cochran, Samuel Rankin, Joseph Cochran, 
Samuel Emerson. 

To Captain Caleb Page. • 

All the proprietors of Starkstown are hereby notified 
and warned to meet at the house of William Stinson, on 
the fifth Tuesday of October current, at one of the clock 
in the afternoon, to act on the following business : 

Firstly. To choose a moderator for to govern said 
meeting. 

Secondly. To vote and act on any thing that the pro- 
prietors shall think proper when met together, for the car- 
rying on the settlement of said town. 

Dated in Starkstown, October 16th, 1758. 

Caleb Page, 
appointed and chosen to call meetings in said town. 

Met according to the within warning, near the house of 
William Stinson, in said Starkstown. 

Firstly. Voted, Capt. Caleb Page for moderator of said 
meeting. 

Secondly. Voted, Capt. Caleb Page town-clerk for said 
Propriety. 

Thirdly. Voted, Four pounds, old tenor, upon each 
share liable to pay taxes in said town, to be appropriated 
for preaching in said town, including forty shillings that 
was before voted. Voted, That Capt. Page is appointed 
to collect the four pounds, old tenor, of the non-resideniers. 
Voted, That William Stinson collect y^ four pounds, old 
tenor, for preaching, from the inhabitants in the upper 
part of the town ; and voted, William Putney to collect 



60 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

the like sum, for the same use, in the lower part of the 
town. 

Voted, Thomas Mills, surveyor of highways, in room of 
William Stark. Voted, John Ilogg, James McGregore 
and Ca[»t. Page he a committee to act the prudential affairs 
of said town, and to examine tlie accounts of the former 
treasurer; to see how the town's money is disbursed. 
Also, Voted, That thig present committee have a right to 
dispose of the delinquents' land who do not pay the taxes, 
or any other thing necessary to he done. Also, voted, 
That this meeting be adjourned till the third Tuesday of 
May next, at ten of the clock in the forenoon, at Cap- 
tain Page's. 

Testis : Alexander McMurphy, Proprietors' Clerk. 



The petition of us whose names are hereto subscribed, 
humbly showeth that it is our [desire] that Capt. Caleb 
Page, proprietors' clerk, warn a meeting of the proprie- 
tors of Starkstown that they meet at the house of William 
Stark, in said town, on y*^ 8th of October, 1760, to act on 
the following things : 

Firstly. To choose a moderator, to govern said meeting. 

Secondly. To see what they will vote relating to Bow 
line ; whether they will agree to the proposals which were 
interchangeably signed by the committee of Bow and the 
committee of Starkstown. 

Thirdly. To bring in all the accompts, to see how much 
the proprietors are indebted. 

Fourthly. To choose a treasurer for the proprietors of 
Starkstown. 

Fifthly. To see what money the proprietors will raise 
to defray charges and to take care of the highways. 

Sixthly. To see if the proprietors will give John Stark 
a lot of land as encouragement for him to build a saw-mill. 

Seventhly. To see if the proprietors will sell those lots 
of land which are forfeited for not settling, or delinquent 
in not paying charges. 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 61 

Eighthly. To see what the proprietors will do with those 
people that have settled on the common lands. 
Dated September 30, 1760. 

John Hogg, 

James McGregore, 

Jeremiah Page, 

William Stark, 

"William Stinson, 

Hugh Jameson, 

Samuel Rankin, and others. 

In consequence of the above petition, all the proprie- 
tors of Starkstown are notified and warned to meet at the 
house of William Stark, in said town, on the 8th day of 
October next, at ten of the clock in the forenoon, to act 
on the following particulars : 

Firstly. To choose a moderator, to govern said meeting. 

Secondly. To see what they will vote relating to Bow 
line ; whether they will agree to the proposals which were 
interchangeably signed by the committee of Bow and the 
committee of Starkstown. 

Thirdly. For all such to whom the town is indebted to 
bring in their accounts. 

Fourthly'. To choose a treasurer for the proprietors of 
Starkstown. 

Fifthly. To see what money the proprietors wnll raise 
to defray charges, and to take care of the highways. 

Sixthly. To see if the proprietors will give John Stark 
a lot of land, as an encouragement to build a saw-mill in 
said town. 

Seventhly. To see if the proprietors will sell those lots 
of land which are forfeited for not settling, or delinquent 
in not paying charges. 

Eighthly. To see what the proprietors will do with those 
people who have settled on the common lands. 

Dated at Starkstown, September y*= 30, 1760. 

Caleb Page, Proprietors' Clerk. 



62 HISTORY OF DUNBAllTON. 

October y^ 8, ITGO. Then met at the house of William 
Stark, according to time and place inserted in the warning. 

firstly. Then voted, William Stark, moderator, to gov- 
ern said meeting. 

Secondly. Voted, That the agreement which was inter- 
changeahly signed by the conmiittee ot" Bow and the com- 
mittee of Starkstown should be recorded in the proprie- 
tors' book. 

Thirdly. That all the accounts that tvos brought in to 
this meeting by the committee, are voted and allowed by 
the proprietors of Starkstown. 

Fourthly. That Captain William Stark be chosen treas- 
ur^'i- for the proprietory of Starkstown. 

i^^ifthly. That a tax be laid upon each right in Starks- 
town, to pay twelve pounds, old tenor, for each right. 

Sixthly. Voted, That four days' work be done on the 
highways, by each proprietor of Starkstown, within one 
year from this time. 

Seventhly. That Samuel Smith and Jeremiah Tage be 
chosen to join tlie former committee to take care of the 
highways in Starkstown. 

Eighthly. Voted, That this meeting be adjourned to 
the ninth day of October present, to meet at the house of 
AVilliam Stark, in Starkstown, at eight o'clock in the fore- 
noon. 



October the ninth, the proi»rietors met at tlic time and 
place, according to adjournment. 

Firstly. Then voted, That Captain John Stark shall 
have one common lot of one huiulred acres, the twelfth in 
the fourth range in Starkstown, for encouragement to 
liuild a saw-mill in said town, given him by the proprietors 
of Starkstown. Tlie mill is to be l)uilt on the following 
conditions: Said saw-mill is to be Imilt as soon as con- 
venience will allow, not exceeding one year from this time. 

Secondly. That Ca})tain John Stark is obliged to saw 
for the proprietors to the lialfs, and also to sell boards to 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 63 

the settlers of Starkstown as cheap as any of the neigh- 
boring mills sells. The lot shall not be confirmed to said 
Stark, till said articles be complied with.* 

Voted, That such rights of land as are forfeited for not 
settling, shall be sold at public vendue to the highest bid- 
der, according to tlie following articles : That one quarter 
of the money shall be paid within one month of the date 
of sale of the said lot ; and that the other three quarters 
of the money shall be paid within twelve months from the 
time of sale, with ten per cent, interest, said purchaser 
giving sufficient security for the remainder of said pur- 
chase ; and furthermore, that every purchaser of every such 
delinquent lot so sold shall be settled within one year from 
the time of sale. All bidding shall be in old tenor. 

Voted, That the thirteenth lot in the fourth range shall 
be sold at public vendue to the highest bidder. Voted to 
sell as much of the land as will defray the charges of every 
delinquent's right. 

Voted and agreed that the present committee shall pro- 
ceed and sell such forfeited rights, and also such as are 
delinquent in not paying the charges of such rights. 
James McGregore is chosen ven due-master. 

Voted, That this meeting be adjourned to the second 
Tuesday of JSTovember next, at ten o'clock in the forenoon, 
at the house of Captain William Stark. 



The proprietors met according to adjournment at the 
time and place. 

Then voted and agreed by the proprietors that what 
land has been sold at vendue, if the owners of said rights 
so sold shall pay the money and charges of vendue at this 

* Although no return to that eit'ect appears on record, a suw-niill was 
built within the time limited, upon lot No. 14, in the second range, on the 
north .side of the stream running through the said lot. A grist-mill was 
afterward erected on the south side of the same stream. In 1810 a build- 
ing, containing a saw and grist-mill, was built on the south side of the 
stream; rebuilt in 1834, and also in I860, (upon a stone foundation) one 
hundred years from the time the first saw-mill was erected, by order of 
General .John Stark. 



64 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

meeting, tliat there-be no record made in the proprietors' 
book of such sales as have been already made. 

Voted, That Captain William Stark shall have forty 
pounds, old tenor, for his charge for victuals and enter- 
taining the proprietors at this meeting. 

Voted, That this meeting be adjourned to the twelfth 
day of November current, at eight of the clock in the 
forenoon, at the house of Caleb Page, in Starkstown. 



The proprietors met at the time and place, according to 
adjournment. 

Then voted, That Caleb Page and James McGregore, 
and Jeremiah Page, as surveyors, shall run out the south- 
east line of Bow, according to the vote of the proprietors. 

Furthermore, voted. That the proprietors shall defend 
the committee in settling a man upon the land in dispute 
between Bow and Starkstown : to wit, Tlie land on the 
south side of the line that shall be run by Starkstown 
committee tliat measured Bow line. 

Voted, That AVilliam Stark and AVilliam Stinson and 
Asa Putney be a committee to look out highways in said 
town, and to make a record of the same. 

Voted, That Captain "William Stark be chosen and im- 
powered to give deeds to those persons that have pur- 
chased any of the forfeited or delinquent rights in 
Starkstown : Said Stark to give deeds to said })urchas- 
ers, aiul Avarrant all the title that the grantees have 
from the grantors of Mr. J. Tul'ton ]\Iason's right to 
Starkstown, by virtue of their charter ; and that he shall 
be indemnified for any trouble and charge that may arise 
to him or his heirs by his giving such deeds. Such deeds 
are to be defended by the whole Proprietory. 

Voted, That Caleb Page shall have forty pounds for 
charges for his house, for victuals and horse-keeping for 
the proprietors. 

Voted, That Samuel Emerson, Esq., shall have eighteen 
pounds, old tenor, for his attending on said meeting. This 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 65 

meeting is adjourned to the second Tuesday of June next, 
at the liouse of William Stark, at one of the clock in the 
afternoon. 



Met according to time and place, according to adjourn- 
ment. 

Then Voted, That John Hogg be the first committee 
man, Caleb Page was chosen second committee man, Capt. 
William Stark was chosen third committee man. 

Voted, That this committee have power to seize upon 
and sell such rights as are forfeited for not settling, at 
a public vendue, in the name and stead of the proprietors. 

Voted, This committee shall take care of and see that 
the work be done which was voted to be done, and to sell 
the land, if they neglect to do the work soon ; and to 
take care that the money be paid that was voted for 
preaching in Starkstown ; if they do not pay the money, 
to sell the land of such delinquents. 

Voted, That this committee shall have the power to 
settle the line between Bow and Starkstown, and to stand 
a lawsuit with any man that shall move any action against 
Starkstown, or any of their property ; and to bring an 
action of law against any body that intrudes or trespasses 
on any of the land of Starkstown. 

Voted, That the petition bearing date June the second, 
1761, that was brought into the meeting by John Putney 
and Henry Putney, shall be read and heard. 

The petition was read and accepted, that John Putney 
and Henry Putney shall have all the right and title that 
the grantees have of or from the grantors, for one hun- 
dred pounds old tenor. This meeting is dismissed. 

Attested by me : 

Caleb Page, Proprietors' Clerk. 

Voted, That the following agreement should be recorded 
in the proprietors' book, which is interchange, signed by a 
committee of Bow proprietors and a committee for Starks- 



66 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

town proprietors, upon the sc(ti/ig of the line between 
Bow and Starkstown, so called, is as follows : 

We, the snbscribers, Theophilus Smith and Samuel 
Lane, as a committee of the proprietors of Bow, in the 
Province of ^Sew-IIampshire, of the one part; and John 
Hogg and James McGregore, as a committee IVom the 
propriety of Starkstown, in said Province, so called, of 
the other part, each of said committee being chosen and 
authorized to settle the lines and Ijounds ])ot\vcen said 
towns, having this day met together for that end, and 
after some conversation relating to that affair, not agree- 
ing to make a iinal settlement of the same, each party 
agreed that the following plan or method in order for 
settlement, shall be drawn up, and laid before each of the 
said proprietors for their approbation and confirmation, if 
they shall see fit, at any legal proprietors' meeting, by 
them, which is as followeth : viz.. That a surveyor and 
two chain-men, of indifierent men, be imploj^ed, who shall 
begin at the northerly old corner, next to Cantcrhurn ; 
from thence, to run south-west nine miles, then south-east 
five miles, then south-west one mile, then south-east to 
the lower or south-easterly side of said line of said Bow, 
as it was settled with Mason's proprietors, so called, in 
January last ; that the said chain-men be sworn to make 
just and impartial measure, allowing for the Sirag of chain, 
and rough, mountainous and woody land, according to 
the custom and measure of towns ; and that the cost be 
paid erpially by said proprietors. 

In witness hereof the said party interchangeably set 
their hands, this twenty-sixth of December, 1758. 

TiiEoniiLUs Smith, 
Samuel Lane, 
John Hogg, 
James McGregore. 

A true copy of the original agreement between the 
committee of Bow and the committee of Starkstown. 

Attest : Caleb Page, Fropviclors' Clerk. 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTOX. 67 

The Province of NEW-IlAMPsniRE. "Whereas there was, 
at a legal meeting, duly warned and held at the dwelling- 
house of Capt. William Stark, of Starkstown, so called, 
by the proprietors of Starkstown, voted, that there should 
be twelve pounds, old tenor, raised on every right of said 
town, liable to pay taxes, to defray the expenses that bas 
or may arise on said Propriety : This is therefore to give 
notice to all the proprietors, or any that own land in said 
settlement, to pay to William Stark, treasurer of said pro- 
prietors, the above sum, at or before the second Tuesday 
of November next, or they may expect, on the failure 
thereof, to have part of their land sold at public vendue, 
on the aforesaid second Tuesday of I^ovember, at one of 
the clock in the afternoon. 

P'r William Stark, Treasurer. 

]Taken out of the New-Hampshire Gazette.] 



Siarkstoivn, November 11, 1760. Articles of a vendue 
of the land of those persons that are delinquents. The 
delinquent's land to be sold, so much of it as will defray 
their part of the charges, as it was voted by the proprie- 
tors in a meeting October the 8, 1760. 

James McGtRegore, Vendue- blaster. 

Articles are as followeth : 

Firstly. Said land is to be struck oif to the highest 
bidder. 

Secondl}'. That one quarter part of the money shall be 
paid in one month from the date of the sale. 

Thirdly. That the other three quarters of said money 
shall be paid in twelve months from the date of the sale, 
with ten per cent, interest ; said purchaser giving suffi- 
cient security for all the purchase. 



68 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

Fourtlily. That the purcliascr of any land shall be obli- 
gated to settle according to the obligation of other settlers 
in the charter, in one year from the sale. 

Fifthly. All bidding is to be done in old tenor, and 
forty shillings old tenor the least bid. 



This vendue being adjourned from William Stark's 
house, to the house of Caleb Page : They met according 
to the adjournment, November 12, 1760; and after some 
things being proceeded on, the vendue was adjourned till 
the next day, at nine of the clock before noon. Met ac- 
cording to adjournment, and business proceeded upon : 
and then was struck oflt' to Caleb Page the tenth lot in 
the fifth range, lying in Starkstown, for two hundred and 
ten pounds, old tenor, as a forfeited lot. Struck off to 
Sarah Page, wife of Caleb Page, fifty acres of the first lot 
in the seventh range, north side, for thirty-six pounds, old 
tenor. All the other land that was struck off, the owners 
thereof appearing and paying the charges, was given u}» 
to y"* (them) again, agreeably to a vote of the proprietors, 
and the vote not to be recorded in the proprietors' book. 

Caleb 1*age, Proprietors' Clerk. 



Slarkstonii, August if 20, 1764. The petition of the sub- 
scribers sheweth that it is our desire you would call a 
proprietors' meeting, when you think proper, in said town, 
on the first Tuesday of September next, at one o'clock in 
the afternoon, to act on the following things : 

Firsth-. To choose a moderator, to govern said meeting. 

Secondly. To see if the proprietors will sell part of 
their common land, to build a meeting-house, and choose 
men to have care of the same, and to project that afhiir. 

Thirdly. To see what they will do with those that are 
settling on the undivided lands in said town. 

Fourthly. To transact all other matters that the propri- 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 69 

etors may think proper when met together, in order to 
promote the settlement of said town. 

Signed, William Stark, 

William Stinson, 
Thomas Caldwell, 
Hugh Jameson, 
Thomas Jameson, 
Thomas Mills, 
Jeremiah Page, 
John Holmes. 
To Caleb Page. 

Province of New-Hampshire. In obedience to a peti- 
tion from eight of the proprietors of Starkstown, to me 
directed, for a meeting of the proprietors, I proceed to 
warn all the proprietors of Starkstown to meet at the 
house of William Stark, in said town, on the first Tues- 
day in September next, at one of the clock in y*^ after- 
ternoon, then and there to act on the following particulars : 

Firstly. To choose a moderator, to govern said meeting. 

Secondly. To see if the proprietors will sell part of the 
common land in said Starkstown, in order to help build a 
meeting-house in said town, and to choose a committee 
to take care and project that affair. 

Thirdly. To see what the proprietors will do with those 
people that are settling on the common land in said town. 

Fourthly. To act on any other matters that the proprie- 
tors may think proper, when met together, in order to 
bring forward the settlement in said town. 

Dated August the 21, 17G4. 

P'r Caleb Page, Proprietors' Clerk. 



The proprietors met at time and place, according to 
warning. 

Firstly. John Stark was chosen moderator, to govern 
said meeting. 



70 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

Secondly. Voted, To sell what common lots the lord 
proprietors have allowed to the grantees to be free lots, in 
order for to build a meeting-house in Starkstown. 

Thirdly. Voted, That AVilliam Stark, William Stinson 
and Jeremiali Page be a committee for to vendue and 
sell the above said lots of land in Starkstown to the high- 
est bidder. Caleb Page was chosen to view the seventh 
lot in the fourth range. Voted, that the meeting be ad- 
journed to the second Tuesday of aSTovember next, at one 
of the clock in the afternoon. 

Agreeably to a vote of the proprietors, passed on the 
second Tuesday of I^ovember, 1760, that these lots of 
land sliould lie sold, for building a meeting-house, wliich 
were allowed to the grantees by the lord proprietors for 
that purpose ; and a committee was chosen to take care 
of and project that aft'air, the vendue being notitied ac- 
cording to law, the following are the articles of sale : The 
one lialf of the money to be paid at the end of three 
months from the date hereof, witliout interest ; the other 
half at the end of six months ; all to bear ten per cent, 
interest, till paid, after the said three months are ended. 
Any person that shall have any of the lots struck off to 
him must give security to the satisfaction of the present 
committee. All bids to l)e made in old tenor, and the 
least bid to be five pounds. 

William Stark, 
Jeremiah Page, 
William Stixson. 

Bated [N'ovember y^ 13, 1764. 

No. 12 in the iirst range being set up — 

Ca[)t. John Stark bid <£100 

" 200 

« 250 

" 300 



Capt. Caleb Page " 400 

" 420 

" 450 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 



71 



Capt. Wm. Stark bid 
John Stinson " 



Capt. Page " 
Capt. Karr " 
Lieut. Wm. Stinson bid 
Capt. Wm. Stark " 
Struck offto him at £590. 
ISTo. 2 in y^ second range — 
bid 



John Holmes " 

Capt. Nath. Martin " 

Capt. Caleb Page " 

Bond Little " 

Thomas Caldwell " 

Capt. Caleb Page " 

Bond Little " 

Thomas Caldwell ^' 

Struck oft' to Thomas Caldwell at £605. 
No. 1 in thirteenth range — 

Nathaniel Hutchins bid 
Capt. John Stark " 
Capt. Nath. Martin " 
Struck off to him at £405. 
No. 2 in thirteenth range — 
bid 



Bond Little 
Paul Dustin 



Bond Little, 
Capt. John Stark 



500 
510 
530 
550 
560 
570 
580 
590 



£450 
500 
550 
560 
570 
580 
585 
590 
600 
605 



£300 
400 
405 



£100 
120 
140 
200 
§25 
250 
300 
310 
350 



72 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

Bond Little bid 360 

Capt. Jolin Stark " 370 

Bond Little " 375 

Capt. John Stark " 380 

Bond Little " 385 

Capt. John Stark " 390 

Bond Little " 395 

Capt. John Stark " 400 

Bond J.ittle " 405 

To whom it was struck oft" at ^405. 



The proprietors' meeting being adjourned from the first 
Tuesday of September, 1764, to the second Tuesday of 
November following, then to meet at the liouse of William 
Stark, of Starkstown, accordingly the proprietors met at 
time and place. Then voted, That Jeremiah Page, Thomas 
Caldwell and Jolin Hogg be a committee to plan out the 
common land that lays on Merrimack river, and to bring 
in a return at the next meeting. Voted, That William 
Stark, William Stinson and Jeremiah Page, the aforesaid 
committee, are empowered to give suflicient deeds to such 
persons as shall purchase the lots that are put up at vendue, 
this thirteenth day of November, at the house of William 
Stark, in Starkstown. Voted, That this meeting be ad- 
journed to the fourth Tuesday of December next, to the 
house of William Stark. 



Starkstown, December 25, 1764. The petition of us, the 
subscribers, shewcth that we desire [you] to call a meeting 
of the proprietors of Starkstown, to be held on the fourth 
Tucsdav of January next, at the house of William Stark, 
in said town, to act on the following things : 

Firstly. To choose a moderator. 

Secondly. To choose a committee to have the care of 
Imilding the meeting-house in Starkstown, and to see that 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 73 

the stufT is provided for the same, and every other thing 
that will be wanting for the finishing of said house ; and 
also to appoint a place where the said meeting-house shall 
stand. 

Thirdly. To do or act any other business that shall then 
be thought proper for the good of said settlement. 

William Stark, 
"William Stinson, 
Jeremiah Page, 
John Stinson, 
John Holmes, 
Thomas Caldwell, 
Robert Hogg, 
Thomas Mills. 

Province of New-Hampshire. In obedience to a peti- 
tion directed to me, for a proprietors' meeting, I proceed 
to warn all the proprietors of Starkstowni to meet at the 
house of William Stark, in said town, on the fourth Tues- 
day of January next, at one of the clock in the afternoon, 
to act on the followino; thin2:s : 

Firstly. To choose a moderator. 

Secondly. To choose a committee to have the care of 
building a meeting-house in Starkstown, and to see that 
every thing be provided that will be w^anted for the finish- 
ing of said meeting-house ; and also that they appoint a 
place where the said meeting-house shall stand. 

Thirdly. To do or act any other business that shall then 
be thought proper for the good of said settlement. 

Dated Starkstown, December 25, 1764. 

Caleb Page, Proprietors' Clerk. 

The proprietors met according to the warning, at the 
time and place, and Voted, That William Stark, William 
Stinson and Jeremiah Page, be a committee for building 
and finishing the meeting-house, as far as the money will 
go for which the four lots of land were sold. 

Caleb Page, Proimetors' Clerk. 
6 



74 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

To Caleb Page, Proprietors Clerk. 

We desire you would call a ineetin;"^ of the proprietors, 
to meet at the liouse of Ca})t. William Stark, in Starks- 
towu, on the second Tuesday of June next, at one of the 
clock in the afternoon, 

Firstly. To choose a moderator. 

Secondly. To see if the proprietors will change away tlic 
school lot, which is the ninth lot in the third range, for the 
twelfth lot in the fourth range, if Capt. William Stark 
should purchase said lot, to lay for the use of the school 
in said town. 

Thirdly. To see if the proprietors will choose a com- 
mittee to count with the former committee, to see how 
the money hath been disposed of that was raised on each 
rig-ht in Starkstown. 

Fourthly. To see if the proprietors will allow James 
Rogers the settling money for Jamea Evans' riglit, or the 
money that James Evans paid for settling said right. 

William Stark, 
William Stinson, 
Jeremiah Page, 
Hugh Jameson, 
John Stinson, 
Thomas Caldwell, 
Thomas Mills. 
May y« 24, 1761. 

In obedience to a petition to me directed, to warn a pro- 
prietors' meeting of the proprietors of Starkstown, to 
meet at the house of Capt. William Stark, in Starkstown, 
on the second Tuesday of June next, 

Firstly. To choose a moderator to govern said meeting. 

Secondly. To see if the proprietors will change away 
the school lot, which is the ninth lot in the third range, 
for the twelfth lot in the fourth range, if Capt. William 
Stark will purchase said (twelfth) lot, to lay for the use of 
the school in said town. 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 75 

Thirdly. To see if the proprietors will choose a com- 
mittee to count with a former committee, to see how the 
money has been disposed of which was raised on each 
right of Starkstown. 

Fourthly. To see if the proprietors will allow James 
Rogers the settling money for James Evans' right for the 
money that James Evans paid for not settling his right. 

Caleb Page, Proprietors' Clerk. 

May 24, 1761. 

The proprietors met at time and place, according to 
warning. 

Firstly. Voted, Caleb Page moderator, to govern said 
meeting. 

Secondly. Voted, and freely consented to by the pro- 
prietors of Starkstown, that the ninth lot in the third 
range should be changed for the twelfth lot in the fourth 
range, which twelfth lot is to lay for the use of the school 
forever, in the room of the ninth lot in the third range. 

Thirdly. Voted, That Capt. William Stark, and William 
Stinson, and John McCurdy be chosen a committee to 
count with the former committee, in order to see how the 
money has been disposed of that hath been raised upon 
each proprietor's right in Starkstown, and make report to 
a proprietors' meeting. 

Fourthly. Voted, That in case Capt. James Rogers* 
make present settlement on James Evans' right, in Starks- 
town, he shall receive thirty-five pounds, old tenor, out of 
the treasury for Starkstown, or the same sum that the said 
Evans paid for his not settling. 

Dated June y« 10th, 1761. 

The humble petition of the subscribers, being proprie- 
tors of Dunbarton, humbly pray you would warn a pro- 
prietors' meeting at the meeting-house in said town, on 

■* Son of James Rogers, and brother of Col. Robert Rogers ; also an 
officer of rangers in the " Seven Years' War." 



76 IIIPTORY OF DUNIiARTOX. 

the twolftli (lay of Marcli next, at one of the clock in the 
afternoon ; and insert the following articles : 

Firstly. To choose a moderator, to govern said meeting. 
Secondly. To see if they will choose a new pr()})riotors' 
clerk. 

Thirdly. To choose a committee to take care of the 
common land in said town, and to settle with those people 
that have formerly applied for said land, or others that 
mav •'^ppb'' ^^ ^^^® proprietors shall think best. 

Fourthly. To choose a committee to settle with the 
former committee, who was to sell land to build a meeting- 
house. 

Fifthlv. To see whether the proprietors will sell a com- 
mon lot of land in the lower part of this town to some 
person who will build a corn-mill for the use of the town. 
Lastly. To act on any other article that the proprietors 
shall think proper, when met together. 

Dated at Dunbarton, this eighth day of February, 1771. 

Jere.aiiaii Page, 
"William Btakk, 
Jeremiah Bowex, 
Thomas Mills, 
Joshua Saunders, 
William Wheeler, 
Jacob Colby, 
John Gould. 

Pursuant to a petition to me directed, from seven of the 
proprietors of Dunbarton, to warn a meeting of the pro- 
prietors of Dunbarton as foUoweth : All the proprietors 
of Dunbarton are hereby notified and warned to meet at 
the meeting-house in said town, on Tuesday, the twelfth 
day of March next, at one of the clock in the afternoon, 
then and there to act on the following particulars : 

Firstly. To choose a moderator, to govern said meeting. 
Secondly. To see if the proprietors will choose a pro- 
prietors' clerk. 



HISTORY OF DUNBAIITON. 77 

Tliirdh'. To choose a commitee to take care of tlie 
common lauds in said town, and to settle with those people 
wdio formerl}^ applied for said land, as the proprietors shall 
think best. 

Fourthly. To choose a committee to settle with the 
former committee who was chosen to sell land to huild a 
meeting-house in said town. " 

Fifthly. To see if the proprietors will sell a common lot 
of land in the lower part of the town to some person who 
will huild a corn-mill for the use of the town. 

Lastly. To act on any otlier article that the proprietors 
shall think proper when met together. 

Dated at Dunbartoii, the eighth day of February, 1771. 
Caleb Page, Proprietors Clerk. 



March 12, 1771. Met at time and place, and adjourned 
the meeting at Capt. William Stark's house. 

Firstly. Chose Caleb Page moderator for said meeting. 

Secondh". Voted, said Page to continue proprietors' 
clerk. 

Thirdly. Voted, Jeremiah Page, William Stark and 
William Stinson a committee to plan out the common 
land by the river in this town (Merrimack river). 

Fourthly. Voted, That Robert Hogg and John McCurdy 
be a committee to settle with the committee that sold land 
and built the meeting-house in said town. 

Fiftlily. A^oted, That the fourth lot in the sixth range 
be sold to any man that will appear and oblige himself to 
build a corn-mill on said lot for the use of the town.* 

Sixthly. Voted, Said lot number four, in the sixth range 
of lota in said town, to Benjamin Iladley, for fifty dollars, 
to be paid before the last Tuesday in June next, on his 
giving obligations to build a corn-mill, and to keep in re- 
pair said mill for the use of the town. 

Seventhly and lastly. Voted, This meeting be adjourned 

* Mill now owned by Ebenezer P. Kimball. 



78 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

to tlic last Tuesda}^ of June next, at one of the clock in 
the afternoon, at this place. 

Met at time and place, according to adjournment. 

Firstly. Voted, That Caleb Page and Robert Hogg shall 
give a deed of the fourth lot, in the sixth range, to Ben- 
jamin Iladlcy, his paying the. sum of lifty dollars for the 
use of the Proprietory, and obliging himself to build and 
keep in repair a corn-mill on said lot for the use of the 
town of Dunbarton. Said Page and Hogg to warrant all 
the title the grantees have from the grantors of John 
Tuftou Mason's rights, to the town of Dunbarton, by 
virtue of our charter or grant ; and that the said Caleb 
Page and Robert Hogg, and their heirs, shall Ite indemni- 
fied from any troul)le or charges which may arise by giv- 
ing said deed to said Hadley. Said deed is to be defended 
by the whole Propriety, according to a vote of said pro- 
prietors. 

Secondly. Voted, That Caleb Page shall go to Ports- 
mouth and try to make a settlenient with the lord pro- 
prietors about their common lands in Dunbarton ; either 
to buy their rights in the common lands for the Propriety 
of Dunbarton, or agree to set it off in some place in the 
common lands in the Propriety's charge. 

Thirdly. Voted, That Capt. Caleb Page settle with the 
committee that sold land and built the meeting house, in 
the room of John McCurdy. 

Attest : Caleb T^ace, Proprietor.^' Clerk. 



In obedience to a petition to me directed from a number 
of the proprietors of Dunbarton, dated December y" 6, 
1773, that I should warn a proprietors' meeting for the 
proprietors of Starkstown, or Dun]»art()n, as soon as may 
be : I do hereljy notify and warn said ])ro]>rietors to meet 
at the meetii]g-house in said town, on the first Tuesday 
of January next, at one of the clock in the afternoon, then 
and there to act on the following articles : 

Firstly. To choose a moderator to govern said meeting. 

Secondly. To see what the said proprietors will do con- 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON, 79 

cerning the other people that are settled upon the said 
common land.* 

Fourthly. To see what the said proprietors will do 
further about dividing their common land. 

Fifthly. To see what the proprietors will do about 
settling Bow line. 

Sixthly. To choose any other proprietors' officers, in the 
room of any that now is, that they think proper : and 
any thing else that said proprietors shall think proper 
when met. 

Duted at Dunbarton, this tenth day of December, 1773. 
Caleb Page, Proprietors' Clerk for Dunbarton. 

The proprietors met at time and place. 

Firstly. Jeremiah Page chosen moderator to govern said 
meeting. 

Secondly. Jeremiah Page chosen Proprietors' Clerk. 

Thirdly. Voted, Not to act on the second, third and 
fourth articles in the warning, at this meeting. 

Fourthly. Capt. William Stark, Capt. William Stinson, 
and Jeremiah Page were chosen a committee to settle Bow 
line. The above committee by a vote are to take care of 
the prudential affairs of Starkstown proprietors. 

Fifthly. Voted said meeting be dismissed. 

Caleb Page, Proprietors' Clerk. 

January y« fourth, 1774.t 



state of new-iiampshire. 

Hillsborough ss. — We, the subscribers, being owners of 

the undivided lands and proprietors of the common lands 

* Article 3d appears wanting. It is either not on the book, or accident- 
ally omitted by the copyist. 

f Note by the Editor. — From January 4, 1774, to August >>0, 1784, 
u<> records appear upon the Proprietors' book, in consequence, probably, 
of the disposal of a principal portion of the land embraced in their grant 
prior to the meeting of January 4, 1774. 

The town also in 1705, had commenced its existence as a body corporate, 
and since then had regulated its own municipal afl'airs. The after meet- 
ings of the proprietors were held for disposing of their individual com- 
mon lots, and parts of lots, settling lines bounding the same, and conclud- 
ing their business operations, as proprietors, in regard to the township 
jrranted them. 



80 HISTORY OF DUNBARTOX. 

in Dunbarton, do think proper there shall be a proprietors' 
meeting held in said town as soon as may conveniently be : 
Therefore we desire Jeremiah Page, Esq., proprietors' 
clerk, to call a meeting of the proprietors, to meet at the 
meeting-house in said town, the second Monday of ISep- 
tembor next, at four of the clock in the afternoon, to act 
on the following particulars : 

Firstly. To choose a moderator, to govern said meeting. 

Secondly. To choose a committee to view the land taken 
oiF of Thomas Mills' fifty acre lot by settling Bow line, 
and to lay out said Mills' lot in (piantity aiul quality, in 
some con:imon land in said town ; to make good his fifty 
acre lot as it was bcfi)re said Jiow line was settled. 

William Stinsox, 
John Holmes, 
James McOalley, 
John IIocjg, 
Thomas Mills, 
Jeremiah Page. 

In obedience to the above request, I, the subscriber, do 
notify and warn said proprietors of said undivided land 
in Dunbarton, to meet at time and i)lace, as was set forth, 
in the above petition. 

Dated this 30th day of August, A. D. 1784. 

Jeremiah Pa(;e, Proprietors^ Clerk. 



Met according to Avarning, and chose Capt. AVilliam 
8tinson moderator. 

Secondly. Chose Capt. William Stinson, Jeremiah Page, 
and James McCalley a committee to lay out aiul qualify 
said Thomas Mills' fifty acre lot, accordii»g to the [torn 
out]. 

Then, thirdly. Voted, To adjourn this meeting to the 
first Tuesday of November next, at three of the clock in 
the afternoon, to this place. 

September y" 13, 1784. 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 81 

November y^ 2, 1784. Met according- to adjournment. 

Chose John Fulton clerk j^ro tern. Voted, To adjourn this 

meeting, to meet at this place on the ninth day of this 

instant November, at two of the clock in the afternoon. 

Jeremiah Page, Proprietors' Clerk. 

t 

We, the subscribers, being owners of more than seven 
rights in the common and undivided lands in Dunbarton, 
desire that Jeremiah Page, proprietors' clerk, call a pro- 
prietors' meeting on the third Thursday of October next, 
at the meeting-house in said Dunbarton, at twelve of the 
clock at noon, to act on the following articles : 

Firstly. To choose a moderator to govern said meeting. 
Secondly. To see if the proprietors will vote that every 
proprietor who is settled on common land in said town 
shall have liis share or shares laid out where they have 
done their work, in quantity and quality, as said proprie- 
tors shall vote ; or that the proprietors shall make a divi- 
sion of the common lands, as they shall think best when 
met. 

Thirdly. To see if the proprietors will vote to make 
good to every person who hath lost land in the settlement 
of Bow line. 

Dated at Dunbarton the eleventh day of September, 
A. D. 1787. 

Thomas Cochran, 
William Cochran, 
James McC alley, 
James Cochran y^ 3d, 
James Cochran, 
William Page, 
William Wheeler, 
Nicholas Dodge, 

EpHRAIM KiNSiMAN, 

Ebenezer Hacket, 
state of new-hampshire. 
IlUlshorough ss. — These are, therefore, to notify and 
warn all the proprietors owning lands in Dunbarton, that 



Proprietors. 



82 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

they meet at time and place according to said petition, 
and act on the above articles therein set forth. 

Jerkmiaii Page, Proprietors' Clerk. 



Otfobir If 18, 1787. The proprietors met at time and 
place, according to warning, and chose John Fulton mod- 
erator. 

Secondly. Voted, To choose a committee to set oft' each 
proprietor's right, in quantity and quality, and, according 
to the best of their judgment, to make good each right of 
the common land. 

Thirdl}'. Voted, That the committee consist of three 
men. 

Fourthly. Voted, That Jeremiah Page, Capt. William 
Stinson, and William Cochran be said committee to ([ualify 
and set oft' said rights. 

Fifthly. Voted, That said committee shall lay out to 
every pro[)rietor's share that lives on said common his 
right where he has done his work, if he choose it. 

Sixthly. Voted, That Jeremiah Page, Thomas Huso 
and James IVfcCalley be a committee to make good his 
right or lot that Bow took oft' by settling Bow line. 

Lastlj'. Voted, To adjourn this meeting to the first 
Tuesda}' of June next, at one of the clock in the after- 
noon, at tliis ])lacc. 

Jeremiah Pa(JE, J^roprictors' Clerk. 



.lane )f 3, 1788. Met according to adjournniont, and 

furtluT adjoiiiMUMl this pro[)rietors' meeting to this place, 

until the last Tuesday of September next, at one of the 

clock in the afternoon. 

Jkrk'h l*A(iE, P. Clerk. 

{September f 30, 1788. Met according to adjournment. 
Firstly. Voted, To receive the re}>ort of the ccnnmittec, 
that Caleb Mills have tliirty-one acres, as planned to him 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 83 

by the committee, laying near Ferson's land, to make good 
liis right. 

Secondly. Voted, To receive the report of the commit- 
tee in making good John Mills' land, what Bow took oti', 
being twenty-eight acres and one half, near the same 
place where Caleb Mills' was made up. 

Thirdly. Voted, That Thomas Cocliran shall have his 
land where the committee took it out for two rights. 

Fourthly. Voted, That the committee proceed and fin- 
ish qualifying the common land in Dunbarton. 

Fifthly. Voted, That the committee be paid for their 
services in land, or what land fetches. 

Sixthl3\ Voted, That every man who spent his labor on 
common land, and hath a common right, he paying the 
cost of the committee, qualifying said land, and valuing 
it, and paying what said committee shall value said com- 
mon land, said common land shall not be vendued to 
others. 

Lastly. Voted, To adjourn this meeting to y** second 
day of November next, at ten of y*^ clock in the forenoon, 
at this place. 



November y^ second. Met according to adjournment, 
and adjourned this meeting to Archibald Stinson's in 
one hour. Met at said Stinson's accordingly. 

Firstly. Voted, That Capt. William Stinson have his 
five rights laid in the fifth lot, in the fourth range in said 
town, it being a common lot. Also : Voted, That Thomas 
Cochran have two rights laid as set forth in the commit- 
tee's order hereafter recorded : and, Voted, That James 
McCalley have two rights laid as set forth in said order. 
Voted, That James McPherson have one right laid out 
according to said order. Also, Voted, That Sippes Page* 



* Sippes, or Scipio, was a favorite negro man, "who lived and died in 
the service of Capt. Caleb Page and his family. The lot assigned to 
Scipio was in the vicinity of what is now called " One Stack Brook." He 
remained there for a time, but was glad to come back to the hospitable 
shelter of Capt. Page's roof, and bring his colored wife with him. 



84 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

have one right hiid out accoriVing to said order. Also, 
Voted, That Thomas Mills, dr., have one riglit laid out 
according to said order. Also, Voted, That Jeremiah 
Page have tour riglits laid out according to said order. 
Also, Voted, That William Page have three rights laid 
out according to said order. Also, Voted, That each pro- 
prietor shew a good title to his right : Those ahove rights 
to he ixH-orded as set oft' hy the committee. 

Secondly. Voted, That every man having common 
rights may apply to the committee, and have those rights 
in the common that is not taken up, and picked for he- 
fore. 

Thirdly. \'oted. To adjourn this meeting, to the meet- 
ing-house in Dunbarton, on the first Tuesday of June 
next, at one of the clock in the afternoon. 

Jere'ii Page, P. Clerk. 



June y 2, 1789. ^fet according to adjournment. 

Firstly. A'oted, To accept of each right, as was set oft 
by the orders of y^ committee, and to be surveyed by 
Jeremiah i*agc to the proprietors who ap[ilied to said 
Page, in the pieces as ordered by the committee. Said 
pieces of common are Oiu Stack Hill, and AVilliam Page's 
common, as qualified. 

Secondly. Voted, To give up the meeting-house now 
standing in this, [blank) })uilt by the pro])netors for the 
use of the town forever. 

Thirdly. Voted, To adjourn this meeting to the first 
Tuesday of October next, at one of the clock in the after- 
noon, at the meeting-house in said town. 

Jeue'h Page, Froprs' Clerk. 



October If 6, 1789. Met according to adj(nirnment. 
Firstly. Voted, To accept of two rights laid out to 
Thomas Cochran, June last. 

Secondly. Voted, To accept* of one right laid out to 

* The tfxt is except, but iiiciins accept. 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 85 

Dr. AVilliam Cocliran, June last. Voted, To adjourn this 
meeting to the first Tuesday of June next, at one of the 
clock in tlie afternoon, at the meeting-house in l)unl)ar- 
ton, or to the place Avhere said house" did stand, if said 
house is pulled down. [The contract for a new meeting- 
house was entered into June 22, 1789. to be completed 
November 1, 1790. — Editor.'] 



t/ime ?/'' 1, 1790. Met according to adjournment, and — 
Voted, To adjourn this meeting to the first Tuesday of 
November next, at one o'clock in the afternoon, at the 
meeting-house in Dunbarton. 



Jere'h Page, Profrs' Clerk. 



Norember vy^ 2, 1790. Met according to adjournment. 

Voted, To accept of John Fulton's and John Mills' 
rights, as laid out and planned in the common laud that 
McPherson lives on, but not joining McPherson's own 
land, about 14 acres each. 

Secondly. Voted to accept of two rights laid out to Wil- 
liam Wheeler, east of said Wheeler's house, seven acres 
each, as planned by the committee. 

Thirdly. Voted, To accept* one right laid out to Francis 
Mitchell as planned by the committee, about 100 acres, 
pond and all, where said Mitchell's house is. 

Lastly. Voted, To adjourn this meeting to y*^ first Tues- 
day of June next, at one of the clock in the afternoon, at 
this place. 

J. Page, Prop. Clerk. 

June If 7,1791. Met according to adjournment. 

Firstly. Voted, That Capt. Jacob Greene have two 
rights laid out where Samuel Smith lived ; and if the 
town of Chester takes any of said Smith's farm, said 

* The text in all these cases contains the word except where acccjit, as of 
the committee's report, is evidently the proper word. 



86 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

rights shall be hiid out joining south, quantity bj quantity, 
\vith sucli as shall be lost by said Chester, if any be. 

Secondly. Voted, To leave land enough for one cora- 
7non riijht where Rachel Martin now lives. 

Thirdly. Voted, To accept the right laid out to Caleb 
Mills, joining northerly of William Page's land, where he 
now lives, and southerly of Maj. Caleb Stark's land, laid 
out for his connnon right. 

Fourthly. Voted, That Jacob Green have a half right 
laid out joining "old Martin place," where Kachel Mar- 
tin now lives, where he hath done his Avork. 

Fifthly. Voted, To let Deacon Cochran and Thomas 
Cochran have three pounds, four shillings' worth of land, 
west of said Cochran's house, as the committee shall 
value it. 

Lastly. Voted, To adjourn this meeting to the first 
Tuesday of November next, at ten o'clock forenoon, at 
the meeting-house. 

J. Page, Prop'rs Clerk. 

November g' 1, 1791. l^roprictors met according to ad- 
journment. 

Firstly. A^oted, Joshua Abbot be appointed to take 
care of the common lands in Dunbarton ; and if any tres- 
passers should cut or destroy any timber, logs, trees, wood 
or underwood, [he] shall forthwith inform the proprietors 
or proprietors' committee ; and take witness thereof. 

Secondly. Voted, To give said Joshua Abbot eight 
acres of the common land, to make good the western 
right, joining west of said western right, as planned. 

Thirdly. Voted, To lay out one half of a common right, 
fifteen acres, north-west of the intervals joining said Ab- 
bot's four rights. 

Fourthly. V()ted, To accept of two rights and one half 
right laid on or near the old McCoy farm to Joshua 
Abbot. 

Sixthly. Voted to accept one common right laid out to 
Stephen Ordway, in the common, where John Ordway 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 87 

liath done his work, being the original right of Paul 
March, Esqr. 

Lastly. Voted, To adjourn tliis meeting to the first 
Tuesday of June next, at one of the clock in the afternoon, 
at this place, and that this adjournment l)e put in Hough's 
Gazetteer, two months before said first Tuesday of June. 

Jere'h Page, Projmetors' Clerk. 



June J/" 5, 1792. Met according to adjournment. 

Firstly. Voted, To allow Maj. Caleb Stark two rights 
and one half right on the common, next to Hopkinton 
line. 

Secondly. Voted, That the committee appointed to lay 
out the common rights in Dunbarton shall lay out to each 
right, where no body hath appeared to pick for them, in 
the remaining common land in Dunbarton, and make 
return accordingl}-, at or before the first Tuesday of No- 
vember next, to the proprietors' meeting. 

Thirdly. Voted, To adjourn this meeting to the first 
Tuesday of November next, at ten of the clock in the 
forenoon ; and that it be put into Hough's newspaper for 
three weeks before said first Tuesday of November, so 
that any man may come and settle for his right. 

Jere'h Page, P. Clerk. 

November y^ 6, 1792. Met according to adjournment. 

Firstly. Voted, That Thomas Cochran's heirs and Dea- 
con William Cochran have a piece of land laid out to 
them for their services as committee : their account be- 
ing X3 4.S. U. 

Secondly. Voted, Seven acres of common land, lying 
east of "William Beard's lot, to Capt. William Stinson 
towards his services done the Proprietory. 

Lastly. Voted, To adjourn said meeting to the first 
Tuesday of June next, at one o'clock afternoon. 

Jere'h Page, Profrs' Clerk. 



88 IIISTOKY OF DUNBARTON. 

June >/'" 4, 1793. Met according to adjonrnment. Chose 
Joshua Abbot moderator p?'o (on., to govern said meeting. 

Firstly. Voted, To Benjamin liing a piece of land laid 
out by Jeremiah Page, one of the committee to lay out 
one fourth part of a common right in Dunbarton. 

Secondly. Voted, George Poor three fourths of a com- 
mon right, where Roach did his work, south of Ring's 
common land. 

Thirdly. \\)ted. To adjourn this meeting to y* first 
Tuesday of November next, at ten of the clock in the 
forenoon. Voted, An advertisement in Russell's paper. 
Jkke.miah 1*age, Proprietors' Clerk. 



JS^ovcmlx'r y^ 5, 1793. Met according to adjournment. 

Firstly. Voted, To adjourn this meeting to house of 
Archibald Stinson for one half liour. 

Met according to adjournment. 

Firstly. Voted, To John Constelcr one common right, it 
being the common right of Col. Wallingford, in Dunbar- 
ton, being laid out in the interval land west of the river 
road, and north of Joshua Abbot's and Farrington's inter- 
val, and numbered eight. 

Secondly. A'oted, Capt. William Stinson two pounds, 
and James McCalley nine shillings, and Jeremiah Page, 
Esq., seven pounds and twelve shillings, lawful money, 
being for services the said Stinson, McCalloy and Page had 
done for the proprietors. 

Thirdly. A'otcd, Caleb Mills one common right, contain- 
ing about ten acres, north of William Page's dyked land, 
east of the road from Dunbarton to Ilopkinton. 

Fourthly. Voted, Ca[)t. Jacob Green one half of a com- 
mon right lying on the main road in "^fartin's old field," 
so called, to extend as far south as the south end of the 
"Long Line," so called. 

Fifthly. A'oted, To sell at public vendue such small 
pieces of common lands as will not l)e sufiicient for a 
right, to pay the proprietors' charges at the next proprie- 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTOX. 89 

tors' meeting, to be hokleii on the first Tuesday of June 
next. And also voted, that all those who have had their 
rights laid oft" shall return the vouchers for their rights to 
the proprietors' clerk on or before that time, so that it 
may appear who the original proprietors were ; also, that 
the said adjournment be advertised in Russell's weekly 
paper, to notify them to bring their returns in. 

Lastly. Voted to adjourn this meeting to the first Tues- 
day of June next, at ten of the clock A. M. at this meet- 
ing-house, in said Dunbarton. 

Jeremiah Page, Proprietors' Clerk. 



June u'^ 3, 1794. Met according to adjournment. 

Firstly. Voted, To Capt. William Stinson, for his ser- 
vices done as a committee-man in dividing the common 
lands in Dunbarton, it being the same land voted to him 
at a proprietors' meeting held in said town, ]^ovember 6, 
1792, in full for his services as aforesaid ; said piece of 
land laying east of William Beard's land, containing about 
seven acres, more or less. 

Secondly. Put up, according to warrant, at vendue, a 
piece of common land, laying adjoining to Jacob Sargent 
Colby, two acres, more or less ; being all the common 
land lying between said Colby's land and the highway. 
Struck off to said Jacob Sargent Colby at seven shillings 
per acre. 

Thirdly. Voted, That Jacob Green be vendue-master in 
room of the moderator, to put up the rest of the common 
land for sale at this meeting. 

The second piece put up, being a piece of common land 
lying between James McCalley's land and Capt. John 
Mills', containing seven acres, more or less, struck ofi' to 
Caleb Mills at eight shillings per one acre, he being the 
highest bidder. Also put up by the vendue-master the 
third piece of common land, laying on One Stack Hill, so 
called, containing about twelve acres, more or less, lying 
between John Mills' land and Jeremiah Page's land ; and 
7 



90 HISTORY OF DUNBAIITON. 

struck ofF to Capt. Jolin Mills, lie being tlie liigbcst bidder, 
at nine sbillings per aerc. 

Fourtbly. Voted, Tbat Josepli Brown bave tbe lot 
number eleven, containing al)out seven acres, near Merri- 
mack river, being in full lor one common rigbt, lying 
on tlie soutb part of tbe land lately cleared hy Captain 
Kinsman. 

Fiftbly. Voted, To James Stinson a piece of conmion 
land, lying joining Cbeesemorc's land,' as planned for one 
common rigbt. 

f^ixtbly. Voted, Tbat if any num bring an action, tbink- 
ing bimself injured, be sball bring it at bis own cost and 
cbarge ; tbat tbe pro{)rietors will not belp support it if 
said action is brougbt in any matter relating to tbe pro- 
prietors. 

Seventbly. Voted, Jobn Alills, Tbomas :Mills and Caleb 
Mills bave tlieir rigbts on One Stack Hill, as planned and 
reckoned. 

Lastly. Voted, Tbat tbis meeting stand adjourned to 
tbe first Tuesday of June next, at ten of tbe clock in tbe 
forenoon, at tbis place. 

Jeremiah Paue, Proprietors' Clerk. 



June ^f 2, 1795. Tbe proprietors met according to ad- 
journment. 

Firstly. Voted, To cboose a committee to give deeds of 
sucb lands in tbe common of Dunbarton, wbicb batb been 
sold, or may be sold, at public vendue ])y tbe proprietors, 
to pay tbe proprietors' cbarges. 

Secondly. A'oted, Tbat said committee consist of tbree 
persons. 

Tbirdly. A'oted, Tbat Jobn Fulton, Jeremiab Page and 
James McCalley be said committee to give deeds. 

Fourtbly. Voted, Tbat tbere sliall be a ]H-oprictors' 
treasurer, to receive money and pay proprietors' debts. 

Fifthly. Voted, John Fulton be said treasurer. 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 91 

Sixthly. Voted, To sell at vendue two pieces of commou 
lands; the one containing about one half of a common 
right, lying joining Bow line, where it strikes Merrimack 
river, where John Baker now lives, as on the plan of the 
common. Set up by the acre. Bid off by Benjamin 
Noyes, at live dollars per acre. 

Seventhly. Voted, That the money bid for land by the 
purchasers shall be paid when they receive a deed of such 
land b}^ them bid off. 

Eighthly. Voted, That this meeting be adjourned to the 
first Tuesday of October next, at ten o'clock in the fore- 
noon, at this place. 

Attest : Jeremiah Page, Proprkiors' Clerk. 



October y« 6, 1795. The proprietors met according to 
adjournment, and adjourned the meeting to the house of 
William Dugall, to meet in half of an hour. 

Met according to adjournment. 

Firstly. Voted, That Capt. Jacob Green be moderator 
pro iem. 

Secondly. Voted, That Jolui Fulton shall go with Jere- 
miah Page to measure three common rights, and one half 
which lays in the interval near Bow line, near the river, 
applied for by Benjamin Noyes. 

Lastly. Voted, To adjourn this meeting to the first Tues- 
day of I^ovember next, at one of the clock in the after- 
noon, at^his place. 

Jeremiah Page, Proprietors' Clerk. 



November y« 3, 1795. Met according to adjournment. 

Firstl3\ Voted, Mr. Benjamin N^oyes two common rights 
in the interval near Merrimack river, in Kinsman's inter- 
val, so called, being the original rights of William Gault 
and Robert McMurphy. Said rights are numbered 12 and 
13, in the above said intervals. 



92 HISTORY OF DUXRAKTOy. 

Also, \'oted, N(j. 4 to tlio school right and So. 5 to the 
parsonage right, lying in the pine plains, near the river. 

Also, Voted, CoL Clement March's common right to 
.Joel Wlieeler, laying the second right north of William 
Wheeler, in the Bowm Common, so called. 

Lastly. Voted, To adjourn this meeting to the first 
Monday of June next, at ten o'clock in the forenoon, at 
this place. 

Test: Jeremiah Pa(;k, Proirriciors' Clerk. 



June y 6, 1T9G. ^fet according to adjournment, and 
further adjourned this meeting to the first Monday of 
June next, at one of the clock, afternoon, at the meeting- 
house in Dunbarton. 

Jeremiah Page, Froprlefors' Clerk. 



June ?/« 5, 1797. Met according to adjournment, and, 
Firstly. Voted, School right and the parsonage right to 
be for the use of the town of Dunbarton forever. 

Secondly. A^otcd, To adjourn this meeting to the first 
Tuesday of November next, at ten of the clock in the 
forenoon, at the meeting-house in said Dunbarton. 

Jeremiah Pa(JE, Proprietors' Clerk. 



Noveviher jf 7, 1797. Met according to adjournmoiu. 

Firstly. Voted, That Esquire Benjamin Nojes shall 
have all the interval, from the elm tree, l)eing the original 
south bound formerly of Moses (Marvin, for three nghts, 
to extend north to Bow line, exclusive of the road. 

Secondly. Sold about eight rods of common land, lay- 
ing near James McFerson's land, for one dollar and sixty- 
seven cents, to James McPherson,* he Ixjing the highest 
bidder. 

*.John McFhcTson served in the l>t New-Iiainpshir(f llemimont at 
IJunker Hill, and died in Gotistown. at the age of i)4, (supi)osed to he a 
sun of the above.) 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 93 

Thirdly. Voted, To allow eight shillings to -Tohii Ful- 
ton, for his services in going to the river to hel[) survey 
Noycs' interval. 

Fourthly. Voted, James McCalley two shillings, for lay- 
ing out Chizamore lot for the proprietors. 

Fifthly. Voted, That a committee be chosen to look into 
the title for the original owners of the common lands in 
y* town of Dunbarton. 

Sixthly. Voted, Jcremiali Page, John Mills and John 
Fulton be said committee. 

Lastly. Voted, To adjourn this meeting to the second 
Tuesday of September next, at one of the clock in the 
ixfternoon. 

Not ember If G, 1798. Met according to adjournment. 

Firstly. Voted, To adjourn this meeting to the first 
Tuesday' of June next, at one of the clock in the after- 
noon. 

Also, Voted, That the proprietors' clerk give notice of 
the adjournment of this meeting, tbree weeks, in " Davis' 
Mirror,''' before the said first Tuesday of June next, so 
that all persons may appear and establish their rights, by 
bringing vouchers of the original proprietors' title, to 
them, and those who have not had their rights laid off, to 
take them and shew the original title. 

Attest : Jeremiah Page, Proprietors' Clerk. 



June If 2, 1799. Met according to adjournment. Voted, 
To adjourn this meeting to the house of Isaac Bay ley. In 
thirty minutes met according to adjournment. 

Firstly. Voted, To adjourn this meeting to the first 
Tuesday of June next, at ten o'clock in tlie forenoon, 
and that the clerk advertise said adjournment in some 
public newspaper, which is most likely to give said notice, 
three weeks prior to said meeting. 

Also, That there will be common laud sold, to pay the 
cost arising in said Proprietory. 



94 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

Also, Voted, That all persons having demands on the 
proprietors to bring in their demands at said meeting, as 
it is likely said meeting may be dissolved. 

Attest : Jeremiah Page, Proprietors' Clerk. 



June )f 3, 1800. Met according to adjournment. 

Firstly. Voted, To adjourn this meeting to the second 
Tuesday of September next, at ten o'clock in the fore- 
noon, and that the adjournment be advertised in Hough's 
paper three weeks before said meeting. 

Attest : Jeremiah Page, Proprietors' Clerk. 



September ?/* «^ 1800. IVIet according to adjournment. 

Firstly. Voted, To Jercniiah Pago, proprietors' clerk, 
eleven dollars and tifty-sevcn cents, in full for all his ser- 
vices as proprietors' clerk, and advertising meetings in the 
newspapers up to this day. 

Secondly. Voted, One half of a common right to Capt. 
Phinehas Bayley, laying by his house, and running north- 
erly by the range-way by the east end of the lots Nos. 9 
and 10, and joining easterly on John Miller's land; said 
Bayley paying two dolhire for the proprietoi's' use ; the 
whole piece being about six acres, more or less, which was 
valued at two dollai-s more than a half right. 

Thirdly. Voted, To John Miller, where he lives, on the 
Common, three rights and one half, as followeth : the 
original right of George rletfery, and Parry, and Moore, 
and one half right of Thomas Follansbee. 

Fourthly. Voted, That when the town of Dunbarton 
pays John Fulton, pro}>rietors' treasurer, ten dollars in full 
compensation for the half right in the l>owen Common, 
which was allotted by the selectmen of Dunbarton, in 
part of the maintenance of the widow Brown, the said 
one right and a half is laid off northerh/ of Stephen Wheel- 
er's land, where said widow Brown now lives ; the whole 
eontainine: about citrhteen acres. 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 95 

Also, Voted, To accept of the original right of Jothani 
Odiorne, as laid out to the town of Dunbarton, for the use 
of the maintenance of the said widow Brown. 

Lastly. Voted, To adjourn this meeting to the second 
Tuesday of September next, at one of the clock P. M : 
said adjournment to be advertised in Hough's paper three 
weeks prior to said second Tuesday of September next. 

Jeremiah Page, Proprietors' Clerk. 



Februari/ (/ 6, 1801. This day Major John Mills, town 
treasurer for Dunbarton, having paid in to the proprietors' 
clerk ten dollars, according to the intent and meaning of 
the above vote of the proprietors : therefore, the said half 
right is hereby established, and recorded for the use of the 
town of Dunbarton forever, according to the intent and 
meanins: of the above vote. 

Jeremiah Page, Proprietors' Clerk. 



September y^ 8, 1801. The proprietors met according to 
adjournment. 

Firstly. Voted, That six acres, laying joining the land 
in the Bowen Common, so called, which was voted to 
Daniel Wlieeler, being George Jeffery's original right in 
the common of Dunbarton, be granted to said Daniel 
Wheeler for his and his heirs forever. 

Secondly. Voted, Joel Wheeler two common rights in 
said Bowen's Common. 

Thirdly. Voted, To Benjamin N'oyes, Esq., one common 
right which said Xoyes bought, being the right of Nathan 
Taylor. 

Fourthly. Voted, To John Welsh the Martin right, so 
called. 

Fifthly. Voted, To adjourn this meeting to the second 
Tuesday of September next, at one o'clock, afternoon. 
JerExMIah Page, Proprietors' Clerk. 



96 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

^let according to adjoiiriuiiciit, and tlicrc being no busi- 
ness to ])e done, A'oted, to iisniiss this ineetiiiii-. 

Jere>./aii 1*a(je, Proprietors' Cler/c. 

This was th(^ last meetinu;. Tho proprietors dissolved 
on the second Tuesday of Septeml)er, 1802; iifty-one 
years and about six months from tho date of the adver- 
tisement callinc: the first meetins:. 



rROPRii'rroRS ifKJirrs. 

C'apt. AVilliam Stinson, hve rights, all in a common lot 
No. 5, in the fourth range. 

Jeremiah Page, six rights : four rights in the common 
joining IIoj»kiiiton lino, ten acix-s each ; and two rights in 
One Stack 1 1 ill common, twelve acres each. Sixty-four 
acres in the whole. 

AVilliam Page, four rights in the ctunmon where lie 
lives, ten acres eacli : 40. 

John Mills and Thomas Mills, eight shares on One Stack 
Hill, 12 acres each : 96 acres. 

General dohn Stark, two rights and one half right, laid 
out joining IIoi)kintnii lint', ten acres to one right : 2') acres. 

James ]\lcCalley, two rights : laid out in the common 
near James McPherson's land, and to one right: 10 acres. 

James McPherson, one I'ight, in the last mentioned 
common : 8 acres. 

dohn Fulton, one right, in the last mentioned com- 
mon : 14 acres. 

John Mills, one otlier right, in the last said common: 
14 acres. 

Sipes Page, (Sci]>io, coloi-cd man) one right: laid out in 
the last said common : 18 acres. 

"William "Wheeler, two rights; laid out in Bowen's Com- 
mon, so called : 14 acres. 

Thomas Cochran, (our rights; laid where he lived, near 
the river (sup[H)sed Mei liniack) ; fifty-one acres each : 103 
acres. 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 97 

Deacon Cochran, one right, laid adjoining Thos. Coch- 
ran's land : 30 acres. 

Farrington and Abhot, five rights, where Abbot lives: 
70 acres. 



At a meeting held November y'' 3, 1795, Voted, That 
Benjamin Noyes, Esq., of Bow, have two common rights 
laid in the interval known by the name of Kinsman's 
Interval, numbered 12 and 13, both containing thirteen 
acres, being the original riglits of Tiobert McMurphy and 
William Gault. 

Also, Voted, at said meeting, Clement March's original 
right to Joel Wheeler, laying tlie north side of all the 
land laid out in Bowen's'Common, so called, seven acres 
and one half, the town bought of Jotham Adams' origi- 
nal right in the common, and laid it out joining Daniel 
Wheeler, in the Bowen common, so called, where the 
widow Bowen lives. 

Also, the town hath engaged to buy one half of a com- 
mon right adjoining the above in said Bowen Common, of 
the proprietors, so that the whole the town gave to Daniel 
Wheeler is eighteen acres, in consideration [that] said 
Wheeler engaged to clear the town of all charges of the 
maintenance of the said widow Bowen forever. 

Origiual Proprietors. Laid to. Original rroprietore. Laid to. 

John Morton, Caleb Mills. John Matfct, Caleb Mills. 

Joseph Blanchard, Thomas Mills. James Adams, Thomas Mills. 
David McGregor, John Mills. Samuel Emerson, John Mills. 

Daniel McCurdy, William AVheeler. John McCurdy, "William "VVhecIer. 
Clement March, Joel "Wheeler. George Mussey, Benjamin Noyes. 
"William Stark, "\,\''illiam Cochran. 

AVilliam Stark, 1 

"William Stark, [AH to Thomas Cochran, near the river, as may be seen 
Samuel Hogg, i on the plan where he lived, two site.s, forming the fulls. 
David Stinson, J 



98 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

Hugh Dunshce, 1 

Georgo Clarke, i 

Thoiiuis Parker, I All to William Stinson, laid in fifth lot, fourth range. 

"Williara Stinson, 

William Stinson, J 

The first minister's right to Timothy Ladd and James Stinson, hiving 
northerly of Chizamore land, joining Bow line, about 20 acres. 

Caleb Page, ^ 

Jeremiah Pa"-e All to Jeremiah Page: two rights in the common 

Hu"-h Pamsev ji^'ning Hopkinton line; two more in the common 

A "William K'Uikin ^ where William Pago lives, containing about ten 

i -x^-ni: ., u I acres each; two more on said One Stack Common, 

J *\ 11 Ham xiogg, 

AIatthp\ T- 1 ' ^^ ^^^^ north end of said common, next Bow line, 
Matthew Taylor J ''^"*^ ^''''"'^ Clitford's land, 12 acres in each. 

Three riglits to Thomas Stark, laiil in Bowen Common, so called. 
Samuel Yarmim, to Benjamin Noyes. 

Josejih Cochran, "» To James McCalley, both laid on McPher.son Common, 
James Evans, J so called. 

f To James McPherson in the McPherson Common, so 
Daniel Leslie, ,, i , i t 

l^ called, where he lives. 

Paul March, Esq., to Stephen Ord way, in the common where he improved. 

Laid out to Jacob Green one half right in the common, south of old 
Martin place, south of the bridge, joining the river: about 5 acres. 

Laid out to Benjamin Ringe one half part of a right in the common, 
about live acres, more or less, joining his farm. 

Laid out to Poor, one half right, where Eoach did his work, about 38 
acres, more or less, as planned to said Poor. 

Original rights of Thomas Parker, Daniel Parrj', Mary ]\loore, Joshua 
Parry, John [illegible], .lohn Tufton Mason, Esq., to Joel AVliceler. 

Theodore Atkinson, half right of Thomas Parker and [illegible,] and 
J. T. Mason, Esq., to David Story, Esq. 



May If o, 1704. Then Capt. John Gonld picked lor one 
half riulit, in the common undivided hind in Dnnbarton, 
in k)t numbered six, in the seventh rano-e, as may be laid 
out by a committee legally authorized. 

Jeiie'h P.\ge, Propriehrs' Clerk. 

John Samuel Sherburne,* original, to Caleb Mills' land. 

■* U. S. District Judge, Portsmouth, N. H. 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 99 

November, 1793. Voted, To Jeremiah Page, for his 
former services ; also for advertising in the newspapers in 
May, 1794, X7 12 

Advertising, 6 

X7 18 
At a vendue held y^ first Tuesday of June, 
1794, sold to Caleb Mills a piece of common land, 
laying joining Capt. John Mills' and James Mc- 
Calley's land, containing four acres and seventy- 
five rods, for eight shillings per acre. Jeremiah 
Page received the money. XI 15 6 



£6 2 6 
Due the proprietors, 43 cents, from. Jeremiah Page, 
proprietors' clerk. 
February y« 6, 1801. 

Test. : Jere'h Page, Proprietors' Clerk. 



CHAPTER OF DUXBARTOX. 

Province of ITew-Hampsiiire : George the Third, by the 
Grace of God of Great Britain, France and Ireland, 
King, Defender of the Faith, &c., * 

To all to ichom these Presents shall come, Greeting : 

Whereas our loving subjects, inhabitants of a tract of 
land within our Province of New- Hampshire aforesaid, 
known by the name of Starkstown, have humbly peti- 
tioned and requested that they may be erected and incor- 
porated into a township, and enfranchised with the same 
powers and privileges which other towns have and enjoy 
within our said Province by law : and it appearing unto 
us to be conducive to the general good of our said Prov- 
ince, as well as the said inhabitants in particular, by main- 
taining good order and encouraging the culture of the 
said lauds, that the same should he done : 



100 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

Knoin 1/e, (here/ore, That We. of our especial grace, cer- 
tain knowledge, and ibr the encoiiragenient and promo- 
tion of these good ends and purposes, by and with the 
advice of our trusty and \ve!l-])(.'lovcd lienning Went- 
worth, Esfp'., our (Jovei'iior and Coniinander-in-Chief, and 
of our Council Ibr said Province of New-Hampshire, have 
erected and ordained, and bv these Presents, for us and 
our heirs and successors, do ordain that our loving sub- 
jects, residing on the ti-act of land aibi-csaid, or that shall 
liereafter i-eside and ini[»rove therein, the same being lim- 
ited and bounded as followeth, viz: 

Beginning at a stake and stones, standing on the bank 
of Meri-imack rixci-. on the v»-csterly side, wliicli is also the 
northerly corner bound of the (xotfestown, so called : 
thence running westerly by said (Jofiestown till it comes 
to the town of Weare, so called ; then turning off and 
running northerly l)y said Weare till it conies to the line 
of Xew-IIopkinton, so called; thence turning oli'and run- 
ning north-easterly, by the line of Xew-lIo}»kinton afbre- 
said, till it comes to the town of Pow ; then running by 
Bow line till it comes to Merrimack river; then down 
said river southerly, as that runs, to the stake and stones 
began at : 

Shall be, and by these Presents are, declared and 
ordained to be, a town corjiorate; and are hereby erected 
and incorporatcf] into a body politic and coi-porate, to have 
continuance until His Majesty's ])leasure shall be signiticd 
to the contrar\-, by the mime of J)unbarton, with the jjow- 
ers and authorities, ])rivileges, immunities and franchises 
which other towns in said Pi'oxincc by law hold and 
enjoy; always reserving to us, our heirs and successors, 
all white pine trees that are or shall be found growing or 
being on the said tract of land, tit for the use of our royal 
navy; reserving also the right of di\ iding the said town, 
when it shall appear necessary and convenient for the 
benetit of the inhai)itants thereof: i'rovided, nevertheless, 
and ■■■ * * * herel)y declared that this our Charter 
and (J rant is not intended, or shall in an\- manner be con- 



HISTORY OP DUNBARTON. 101 

strued to extend to affect tlie private property of the said 
* * * * within the limits aforesaid. And as the sev- 
eral towns within onr said Province of iSTew-IIampshirc 
are by law hereoff enahled and authorized to assemble, 
and by the majority of voters present to choose all such 
officers and transact all such affairs as by the said laws are 
declared, we do by these Presents nominate Caleb Page 
to call the first meeting, any time within forty days from 
the date hereof, giving legal notice of the time, place and 
design of holding such meeting, after which the annual 
meeting for said town for the choice of officers and man- 
agement of affairs aforesaid ])e holden within said town- 
ship on the second Tuesday^of March, annually. 

In testimony whereof we have here caused the seal of 
our said Province to be hereunto affixed. Witness Pen- 
ning Wentworth, Esqr., our Governor and Commander- 
in-Chief, in and over our Province of I^ew-IIampshire, the 
tenth day of August, in the fifth year of our reign. Anno 
Domini 1765. 

B. Wentavortii. 

By His Excellency's command, with advice of Council : 

T. Atkinson, Jun'r, Secy. 

Province of ISTew-Hampsiiire. 

August 10, 1765. Recorded in the book of charters, 
i^o. 1, pages 280 and 281. 

T. Atkinson, Jun'r, Sccij. 

TAX ORDERS FROM 1763 TO 1768. 
Province of New-IIampsiiire. 

To Caleb Page, William Stark, William Stinson, all of 
Starkstown, in the Province of New-Hampshire : 

Pursuant to an act of the General Assembly of this 
Province of New-Hampshire, posted in the present year of 
His Majesty's reign, entitled An act for assessing and col- 
lecting the arrearages of the Province taxes due from sun- 
dry towns and places in this Province : 

You are hereby required to make an equal and impar- 



102 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

tial assessment on tlie polls and estates liable hy law to be 
taxed within said Starkstown, of the sum of three hun- 
dred and sixty pounds, thirteen shillings and one penny 
hapenny ; and commit the assessment to John McCurdy, 
of said Starkstown, directini'- and orderinii: him to collect 
and pay the said sum into the Province treasury at or 
before the tenth day of ])ecember next. 

You are hereby required that sometime before the said 
tenth day of December (you) certify to the Treasurer of 
said Province for the time being, of your committing said 
assessment to the said John McCurdy, with the date of 
your warrant to him given for that purpose, and tlie time 
when you required liim to pay the same unto tlie treasury 
aforesaid. 

Hereof fail not, as you will answer your neglect as is 
by law in such cases provided. You, the said Caleb Page, 
William Stark and AVilliam Stinson, by said act for 
making y*^ above mentioned assessment, are allowed to 
each of you live pounds ten shillings, new tenor; and the 
said John AfcCurdy shall be allowed and payd as aforesaid, 
the sum of two and a half percent, for collecting said sum 
of throe hundred and sixty pounds, thirteen shillings and 
one penny hapenny [which] shall be added to said assess- 
ment, whieh money each, assessors and collectors, shall 
receive when the sum is collected. Dated at Portsmouth, 
the 12th day of September, in y'" third year of the reign of 
His Majesty, King George the Third, over Great Britain, 
France and Ireland, &c., &c. Anno que Domini 1763. 

Geoiioe Jaithey. 



Province 0F2sEW-llAMrsiiiRE : George Jaffrey, Esq., Treas- 
urer and Receiver General of His Majesty's said Prov- 
ince : 

To (he Selectmen of Starlistoicn, Grcctinr/ ; 

Pursuant to the acts of the General Assembly of said 
Province for the Icvjing and collecting the taxes granted to 
His Most Excellent Majesty within said Province, and for 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 103 

the apportioning and payment thereof into the treasury 
of the Province aforesaid : These are in His ^Majesty's 
name to will and require you seasonably to assess the polls 
and estates within said Starkstown, liable by law to be 
taxed, the particular sum, in bills of credit of said Prov- 
ince, and in lawful money, as herein described, and pay 
the same into the treasury of said Province, or cause the 
same to be so paid, by the twenty -fifth day of December 
next ensuing the date hereof; namely, the sum of four- 
teen pounds and eleven shillings, in new tenor bills of 
credit of said Province. You shall direct the constable or 
collector of said Starkstown who shall have said sara or 
any part thereof to collect, to receive of the inhabitants of 
said Starkstown, if said inhabitants see fit, their respective 
assessments of said sum in said bills of credit, according 
to their denomination : or in silver at six shillings and 
eight pence by the ounce, Troy weight, of certain alloy; 
or in coined gold, at four pounds eighteen shillings by the 
ounce : Or in the following commodities, being merchant- 
able, and of the produce or manufactures of said Prov- 
ince, and at the prices, in new tenor, as herein fixed to 
each article, viz : 

Bar iron at five pounds by the hundred weight ; hemp, 
three shillings by the pound ; Indian corn, ten shillings 
by the bushel ; rye, ten shillings by the bushel ; winter 
wheat, twenty-five shillings by the bushel ; barle}', ten 
shillings by the bushel ; pork, one shilling by the pound ; 
beef, nine pence by the pound ; flax, three shillings by the 
pound ; bees' wax, five shillings by the pound ; babary 
wax, three shillings by the pound ; well tanned leather, 
four shillings by the pound ; tallow, two shillings and six- 
pence by the pound ; winter and spring cod-fish, four 
pounds by the quintal ; pitch, three pounds ten shillings 
by the barrel ; tar, two pounds by the barrel ; turpentine, 
four pounds by the barrel; white pine joists, four pounds 
by the thousand feet ; white pine boards, five pounds by 
the thousand feet ; white oak two inch plank, twenty-five 
pounds by the thousand feet. 



104 HISTORY OF DINBARTOX. 

And also assess tlic sum of nineteen pounds and eight 
sliillinii's, in new tenoi- hills of credit of said rrovincc 
treasuiy, or cause the same to l)e paid l)y the twriity-Hftli 
day of Deccniher afore.sai(h 

And assess as aforesaid the sum of seven pounds fifteen 
sliiHings and three pence, lawful money of said Province, 
and pay or cause to be [)aid into tlie said Province treasury 
hy the twenty-fifth day of December aforesaid. 

You are herel>y required, that, some time l)efore the 
twenty-fifth day of December aforesaid, to send to the 
treasurer of said province the name or names of tlie con- 
stable or constables, collector or collectors, who liave the 
said sum or sums, or any part thereof, committed to him 
or them to collect, the sums each was to collect, the date 
of the warrant given him for that purpose, and the time 
when he was ordered to pay the same unto the treasury. 
Hereof you may not fail, as you will answer your neglect 
at the })cril of the law. 

Given under my hand and seal, at Portsmouth, this sec- 
ond day of August, 1766, in the sixth year of the i-eign of 
our Sovereign Lord, George the Third, of Great P>ritain 
ICing. George Jaffrey. 

Several other orders for assessing taxes up(ni the several 
towns of the Province ai'c similar in form. The order of 
1767 directs the selectmen to make an inventory of all 
polls, from sixteen yeai's of age and upwards, and all 
kinds of pro[)erty, real and personal, particularly desig- 
nating the objects of taxation. This order was assented to 
by John Wentworth. The inventory was to be returned 
to tlie Secretary's office at or before February 1, 1768. 



FIRST TOWN MKETING UNDICR THE CIIAllTEIl. 

WARRANT. 

" This may signify to all the free-holders and other in- 
habitants living and belonging to a place called Starks-. 



IIISTOIIY OF DUNBARTON. 105 

town, that the Governor and Council of the Province of 
New-Hampshire have favored them with an incorporation 
of a town by the name of Duubarton. 

These therefore are to notify and warne the freehoklers 
and other inhabitants belonging' to Starkstown, to meet at 
the house of Captain William Stark, in said town, on the 
first Tuesday in September next, at one of the clock in the 
forenoon ; then and there to hear the charter read and see 
if the people will accept the same : if so — 1st. To choose 
town officers, as the law directs ; 2d. To see and vote which 
is the best way to raise the money which is laid upon 
Starkstown as a Province tax, bearing date September 12, 
1763 ; 3d. To vote and act on any other thing that the town 
shall think proper when met together. Dated this twelfth 
day of August, 1765. 

Caleb Page, 

Appointed by tlie Governor to call the first meeting in said Dunbarton. 

According to the above warning, met September 3d, 
1765, at the time and place, and. 

First. Voted, The charter accepted. 

Secondly. Chose William Stark town-clerk. 

Thirdly. Voted, Mr. Robert Hogg 1st Selectman ; Wil- 
liam Stinson 2d do : Ebenezer Martin 3d do : Capt. Caleb 
Page 4th do : Capt. William Stark 5th do. 

Voted, One thousand, seven hundred pounds to defray 
the charges of the charter and Province taxes. Chose 
John McCurdy 1st Constable and Jonathan Hutchins 2d 
do. ; John Holmes Tithingman ; John Stinson surveyor of 
highways ; Henry Putney do. ; Thomas Mills do. ; James 
Clement do. ; Daniel McCurdy do. 

" Thus ends the first meeting called by Caleb Page," 
who acted as moderator. 

1766. " Voted, That the meeting be carried on by 
hand votes. Voted that the selectmen build a pound, and 
fence the grave-yard." 

1767. "Voted, The pound to be built as near the meet- 
ing-house as possible. Voted, that any person or persons 



106 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

tliat shall not come, or send a hand to help build said 
pound, and fence the grave-yard, upon the third Tuesday 
of June next, shall pay throe shillings, lawful money, to 
the selectmen, to be collected by the constable. Voted, 
that the fences in Dunbarton are to be considered lawful 
fence four foot high. Voted, the selectmen to be assess- 
ors. Voted forty dollars for preaching." 

1768. " Voted to carry on mooting by hand votes. 
Voted, sixteen dollars for i>rcaching, and that Mountalona 
have their own part of the |)reaching money this year." 

1769. "A^oted, That William Page be cleared of his 
rates this year. Voted, Mr. Stephen ralmcrbc paid three 
pounds per hunder for plank, found to cover the bridge 
below the mills in said town." 

1770. A'"oted, No preaching or school money. 
" So ends the sixth meeting." 

At a special meeting, held September 3, 1770, the sum 
of twelve dollars was voted for preaching. 

1771. "Voted, Forty dollars for preaching, and thirty 
dollars for a town school. Voted, AVilliam Stark and 
Ilobert Hogg to choose preachers this year. Charles 
McCoy was voted clear of preaching and school money." 

1772. Voted, A man's day's work 2s. ChL, lawful money, 
and a pair of oxen the same. Voted thirty dollars for a 
town school." 

1773. Voted, Forty pounds to be worked on the high- 
way, at 25. 6d. a man per day. Voted forty dollars for 
preaching; also, thirty dollars for a town school." 

Nov. 1, 1773. Voted, That James Stinson should have 
the school lot in said town which is the lot No. 12 in the 
fourth range, in exchange for fifty acres off the easterly 
end of lot No. 11, third range, and the half of said east- 
erly end of No. 12 in said range."* " Caleb Page enters 
his protest against changing," 

*When this vote passed, the meefiiiti; jirobably si]pj)osed tliat William 
Stark had purchased, or would purchase lot number 12, in the fourth 
range, according to the stipulations agreed upon by himself and the pro- 
prietors ; and, accordingly, considering the exchange negotiation with him 
as concluded, considered lot number 12, in the fourth range, as the 
school lot. 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 107 

At a meeting held August 9, 1773, in regard to the set- 
tlement of a gospel minister : Chose Capt. Caleb Page 
moderator, and chose a committee to have a conference 
with Mr. William Fessenden about a settlement as a gos- 
pel minister. Capt. Caleb Page, Capt. William Stark, 
Capt. William Stinson, Lieut. John McCurdy, Mr. Wil- 
liam Wheeler, Mr. James Clement, and Serjeant Thomas 
Hoyt committee. This meeting adjourned to the first 
Monday in October next, at one o'clock afternoon, at this 
place. 

Met at the time and place. The committee made their 
return to the meeting in regard to Mr. Fessenden ; and 
they ordered that the conmiittee for looking out for preach- 
ing this year should hire Mr. Fessenden as much longer 
as they thought proper. Agreed to hear another minister 
upon approbation ; and adjourned this meeting to the first 
Monday in December next, at one o'clock in the after- 
noon. 



Met at time and place ; and voted to have only next 
Sabbath for preaching this winter; and dismissed said 



meeting. 



1774. A special meeting was called, to assemble Febru- 
ary 7, 1774, at which, 

Firstly. Chose Caleb Page moderator. 

Secondly. Chose John Hogg not to give a deed of the 
school lot, though contrary to the above warrant. 

William Stark, T. C. 



A special meeting was called to meet at 7 o'clock A. M., 
March 8, 1774. The second article in the warrant was, to 
choose one or more persons to give James Stinson, his 
heirs and assigns, a good and valid deed of the school lot 
No. 12, in the fourth range, in the room of fifty acres of 
the lot No. 11, in the third range, and the half of lot No. 
12, in the said range instead ; on said Stinson's giving a 



108 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

good and valid deed to tlie selectmen of said town, of the 
above mentioned land, for the use of a school for ever, in 
obedience to a resolve and vote of the General Asseml)lv, 
passed Jannary 25, 1774. 

March if 8, 1774. Met at 9 o'clock A. M. ; and, 
Firstly. Chose Jeremiah Page moderator. 
Secondly. Voted, iN'ot to give a deed to James Stinson 
of the lot in the warrant, as though there was no such ar- 
ticle in the warning. 

w. s., T. a 

At the annual town-meeting, March 14, 1775, Voted, To 
raise fifty dollars for preaching and thirty dollars for school- 
ing. Chose Capt. William Stark and Capt. William 
Stinson a committee to provide a minister or ministers to 
preach out said money. 

At a town meeting April 9, 1774, "put to vote to see if 
the town would choose a man or men to go to the Gen- 
eral Court, to see if they could get the act repealed relat- 
ing to the school lot in said town ; and voted down." 



1775. Voted, Fifty dollars for preaching and thirty 
dollars to hire schooling. Voted, To pay two pounds, seven 
shillings and sixpence to John llogij^ for going to Andierst, 
and a lock for the Found. Adjourned the meeting to the 
last Tuesday of April. While wo were acting on the 
second article (clioosing town clerk) the following protest 
was brought in by Col. AVilliam Stark : 

Dmibarton, March 14, 1775. A\^e, the subscribers, enter 
our protest against the present proceedings, as we con- 
sider that the moderator was not legally chosen. Signed, 
Ebenezer Ilacket, Thomas Iloyt, David Ilogg, Fhinehas 
Bailey, James Gay, Abiel Austin, Samuel Allison, James 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 109 

Stewart, William Stark, William Stinson, John McCurdy, 
Francis Knight, William Wheeler, Henry Putney, David 
Favor, Moses Colby, Asa Putney, Jeremiah Bowen, Samuel 
Lord, Ilazediah Woodbury, John Cutler, Zebulun Gitchel, 
John Stinson, Samuel Garvin, John Fulton, John Miller. 



Met at time and place of adjournment, and the mode- 
rator dismissed the meeting. 

Samuel Stewart was chosen the first town treasurer at 
this meeting. 

Agreeably to a letter from the Provincial Congress, at a 
meeting held Monday, May 15, 1775, at the house of John 
Jameson, Capt. Caleb Page was chosen a delegate, to 
appear and sit in the said Provincial Congress, there to 
consult and act in our behalf, agreeably to the above 
mentioned letter. 

At a town meeting held June 23, 1775, 

Firstly. Chose William Stark moderator, to govern said 
meeting. 

Secondly. Voted, Not to raise the money that was voted 
at the annual meeting to hire preaching and schooling. 

Tliirdly. Voted, That the money should not be assessed 
that was voted to repair highways, except one day's work 
of each man. 

Fourthly. Chose Capt. William Stinson to join the 
County Congress when wanted. 

Fifthly. Chose Lieut. John McCurdy committee-man of 
safety ; also, Jeremiah Page, Esq., Capt. William Stinson, 
Thomas Caldwell and William Wheeler. Voted to choose 
no more till further orders. 

Committees of safety were appointed annually during 
the continuance of the war. 



1776. Voted, Fifty dollars for preaching. School mo- 
ney voted down. Voted, To choose the three selectmen ; 



110 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

also, Samuel Burnham and Joliii Gould committee of 
safety. Voted nine shillings to Thomas Mills, for carry- 
ing arms and blankets to the array. Preaching and school 
money voted down. 

1777. Voted, To raise money by a rate to carry on the 
war the year ensuing, if any should be called for, giving 
each man credit for the service already done. Chose 
James Clement, David Story and Samuel Allison a com- 
mittee to proportion the service done in the war already, 
by individuals, with a discretionary power to hire men for 
the ensuing year. Voted, To raise fifty dollars to buy 
ammunition for the town. 

Aprd 3, 1777. Voted, To raise fifty dollars for each man 
that will enlist in tlic continental service for the term of 
three years, or during the war with Great Britain. 

3I(Uj 10, 1777. A proposition to give fifty dollai's in 
addition to the above was voted down. At a meeting 
July 5, 1777, Voted, To give forty dollars to each man 
that will enlist in the continental army for the term of 
eight months. 

July 22, 1777. Voted, To give five dollars per month 
to each soldier that will enlist in the service for two 
months, to the number of eighteen. [Bennington expe- 
dition.] 

At a meeting held at the house of Henry l^utney, Dec. 
15, 1777: Made choice of Jeremiah Page, Esq., to repre- 
sent the said towns of Dunbarton and Bow in [the] ( Jen- 
eral Court, to be held at Exeter on the third AVednesday 
of February next. IN^extly, voted to choose a commit- 
tee to receive reports and give directions to the represent- 
ative. Chose Edward Russell, Esquire Bryant, Timothy 
Dix, James C. Clement, John Gould. 



On the 26th of January, 1778, a meeting took place "to 
see what instructions the town will give to their assembly- 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. Ill 

man, relating to the Articles of Confederation and Per- 
petual Union of the several States of America, which is 
by a vote of the General Assembly sent to every town in 
this State, for their advice and instruction ; to be returned 
to the General Assembly the second Wednesday of Febru- 
ary next, at which time every member is to make a return 
of the minds of their constituents relating to said con- 
federation." 

Secondly, Voted, To comply- with the confederation of 
the United States of America. 

Thirdly. Voted, To give the representative orders to 
Lave a convention of this State to lay a plan of govern- 
ment. 

At a meeting, February 5, 1778 : Voted, To choose a 
committee to hire what men are wanting in said Dunbar- 
ton to make up their quota for the Continental Army, upon 
as reasonable terms as can be had. 

Voted, That the selectmen shall hire as much money 
as is wanting to hire said men. 

At a meeting, March 2, 1778, Chose John Hogg to go 
to the General Court at Exeter, to see if the Court will 
accept of men that we have enlisted in the Continental 
service ; and to see if they will give them the State and 
Continental bounty, and the clothing that is provided for 
the Continental soldiers. 

Voted, and confirmed a vote, that was passed the last 
day of July last, which was to give forty dollars to each 
man that would enlist in the Continental service for the 
term of eight months. 

Voted, and confirmed another vote, that was passed 
the 22d day of July last, which was to give five dollars per 
month, for two months, to each man that would enlist vol- 
unteers in the service. 

Put to vote to see if the town will choose a committee, 
or one man, to take counsel in law concerning our school 
lot, and pursue those measures most advisable to secure 
the land, so that the town may have the benefit of it. 
Voted, to choose a man to take counsel at the General 



112 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

Court, or elsewhere, concerning our school lot, so that the 
town may have the benefit of the land. Chose John 
Hogg for the above purpose. 

Maij 19, 1778. Voted not to send a delegate to the 
Convention at Concord. 

June 6, 1778. The above vote was reconsidered, and 
Jeremiah Page chosen to attend the Convention. 

December 8, 1778. At the house of Ilenr}- Putney, 
Jeremiah Page was chosen to represent Dunbarton and 
Bow in the ASTew-ITampshire Congress at Exeter. 



1779. Voted to raise four litindred dollars for preach- 
ing. School money voted down. Voted to supply the 
families of the Continental soldiers with provisions. 

At a meeting, held June 20, 1779 : Voted, Xot to assist 
the militia officers in getting the mcji to fill np the Con- 
tinental battalions, and other men that may be called for. 
Thirdly. Voted, To choose a committee of three, to hire 
the soldiers as cheap as can be had. Chose Capt. Thomas 
Caldwell first, Ensign James Stuart second, and James 
McCalley third committee-man. Voted, That the com- 
mittee apply to the selectmen for money to hire said men, 
and that the selectmen furnish the committee with as 
much money as will hire the same. 

At a meeting, September, 1779, voted, not to act on the 
plan of government at present. ^\n article in the warrant 
for this meeting is as follows: "To see and read proceed- 
ings of a meeting held at Portsmouth, the 29th of July, 
1779, earnestly requesting us to send some persons to meet 
at Concord, in convention, on Wednesday, the 22d day of 
September next, agreeably to the recommendation of Con- 
gress to these United States, in order to take some mode 
to give stability to our sinking currency." 

Voted, To send to the convention one man and no more. 
Chose John TTogg, Esq., for the above purpose. \^)tcd, 
That the money paid for hiring two continental soldiers 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 113 

for one year be brought into a town tax. Voted, 83 dol- 
lars be allowed Abel Sargent, and the same to Noah Sar- 
gent, as one third part of the money they paid to Went- 
worth Wheeler, Jun'r, for six months' service. Adjourned 
to September 17, 1779, and then Voted not to adopt the 
plan of government composed by the late convention at 
Concord. 

At a meeting, December 13, 1779, at the house of Henry 
Putney, chose John Bryant, Esq., Kcpresentative to the 
General Court. 



1780. Voted to hire ten days' preaching. Chose John 
Hogg to supply the tow^n ten days with a Gospel minis- 
ter. School money voted down. Voted, That the 
soldiers to be raised and sent to supply the Continental 
Army be encouraged by a rate of the polls and estate of 
each inhabitant of the town. Chose Capt. ISTathan 
Burnham first committee-man, to hire the continental 
soldiers, if any should be sent for, as cheap as may be 
had. Chose Lieut. Hogg 2d do. 

At a meeting held September 7, 1780, chose James 
Hogg to collect the beef tax for the army in the west part, 
and James Stewart to collect that in the east part of the 
town. 

Voted, That the selectmen assess seventeen hundred 
dollars for preaching. At a meeting, Nov. 13, 1780, 
Voted, A committee to repair the bridge at Stark's mill. 
Voted, That the selectmen assess the corn, due the soldiers, 
of the polls and estates of each inhabitant of the town. 

At a meeting, held at the house of John Ordway, in 
Bow, chose Jeremiah Page to represent Bow and Dun- 
barton in the General Court at Exeter. At a meeting, 
February 22, 1781, chose James Hogg and John Mills a 
committee to hire the soldiers that are wanted for the 
Continental Army. Voted, To accept of Nicholas Dodge 
and Moses Heath upon the terms the aforesaid commit- 
tee hath enlisted them. 



114 HISTORY OF DUNBAIITON. 

Heath's Agrkement. '' Duubarton, March if 5th, 1781. 
Received of James Hogg and John Mills notes of hand 
for engaging to serve in the Continential Army for the 
term of three years, from the time of my passing muster, 
for the town of Dunbarton : viz., one note for seven Imn- 
dred continental dollars, upon demand ; one note for 
eighteen bushels of rye ; one note for four heifers, three 
years old, to be paid in one year from the date ; one note 
for six heifers, three years old, to be }»ai(l in two years; 
one note for six steers, three years old, to be paid in three 
years from the date. For and in consideration of the 
aforenamed notes, I have this da}- voluntarily engaged to 
serve for the town of Dunbarton, as a soldier in the Con- 
tinental Army, for the full term of three years: and ii' I 
serve one year, to have one third of the value of the said 
notes ; and if I serve two years, to have two thirds of the 
value ; and if I serve three years, to have the whole." 

(Signed) Moses Heath. 

Nicholas Dodge, for similar service, agreed upon Febru- 
ary 28, 1781, was to receive a note for ()8 bushels of corn, 
one sixth to be paid iSfarch 10, 1781 ; one sixth the last 
day of December, 1781 ; one third part the last day of 
December, 1782, and one third part the last day of De- 
cember, 1783; one note for six sheep, of a middling size, 
to be delivered six months from this above date ; one note 
for three thousand continental dollars, old emission ; one 
note for ten cattle (four steers and six heifers), three years 
old, to be delivered the first day of May, 1784. 



1781. Voted to hire six days' preaching. School 
money voted down. Voted to allow Capt. Caldwell for 
clothing tliat he let John Dorman have. Voted, that 
the committee allow John Morgan one hundred dollars, 
old way, if he answei's for one ol"the eight men called for, 
for the Continental Army. 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 115 

May 22, 1781. Voted a committee to procure beef to be 
sent to the army ; also, not to send a delegate to the Con- 
vention at Concord ; also, not to act on the article concern- 
ing the school lot. 

At a meeting September 24, 1781, the rum to be pro- 
cured by the town for the use of the army was bid oft' by 
John Hogg, at bs. IM. per gallon, the town to pay for the 
casks, if wanted to hold said rum. 

In 1781, Put to vote to see if the easterly part of said 
town, which have a mind to be set oft' as a company of 
militia by themselves, from Woodbury's Mills and north 
to Bow line, between John Austin's and Phinehas Bai- 
ley's, and south as far as G-off'stown line ; and not to 
compel any who have a mind to remain in their former 
company. Voted. 

At a meeting on the second Tuesday of August : Voted 
the selectmen assess as much silver money as will purchase 
the whole of the beef, seven milled dollars per hundred, 
giving each man liberty to pay in beef, if they bring it 
when called for. 

The above assessment was for the town's proportion of 
beef, furnished by order of the State Congress for the army. 

On the first Friday in December, 1781, at Henry Put- 
ney's house, John Bryant was chosen to represent Bow 
and Dunbarton in the General Court. 

1782. Voted down preaching and school money. Voted 
to pay Amos Barns' depreciation on a note for going to the 
war. On the second Monday of November, 1782, John 
Hogg was chosen Representative of Bow and Dunbarton 
in the General Court. Chose John Holmes, Titliingman. 

On the last Monday of December a meeting Avas held, 
to see what the town will act upon the plan of govern- 
ment, so that the proceedings may be sent to the Conven- 
tion at Concord. Then there appeared sixteen that voted 
against the plan : twelve to accept it, as it now stands ; 
and four with the following amendment : viz., that each 
representative be paid out of the State Treasury. 



IIG HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

178o. Voted, To be governed Ijy tlie plan of govern- 
ment we act under until June, 1784, unless another takes 
place. Voted, Eight days' preaching. School money 
voted down. Voted, That Thomas Cochran have X3 for 
collecting the soldier tax, rum tax, preaching tax, and 
specie tax. Voted, That Concord, Bow and Canterbury 
be annexed to the county of Hillsborough. 

Septt'Nilmr 1, 1783. A^oted, Not to accept the altera- 
tion of the 8th article of the Confederation of the United 
States. 



To Kk'holas Gibnan, Ksq., Receiver-General for the State of 
Ncio- Ham}') shire, or his Successor in Office : 

In obedience to your warrant, directed to us, Ave have 
assessed the sum of three hundred and eight pounds, four 
shilHngs and seven pence, lawful money, upon the ratable 
polls and estates of the town of Dunbarton, and commit- 
ted the same to the constables of said town, with warrants 
to enable them to collect said sum; said warrants being 
dated June the 6th, 1783. And we have ordered John 
Mills, constable, to pay unto said Nicholas Gilman, Esq., 
&c., the sum of two hundred pounds, lawful money, and 
Thomas JLoyt, constable, we have ordered him to pay one 
hundred and eight pounds, four shillings and seven pence, 
lawful liioney ; and each of said constables is to pay their 
respective sum ; one half of it to be paid on or before the 
first day of August next; the remaining half tlicy are to 
pay on or l)efore tlie tliirtieth day of December next. 

(jiven under our hands this sixth day of June, 1783. 

Egbert IIocu, "j Selectmen 

Ebenkzhr IIackett, > for 
James Clement, ) Dunbarton 

John Mills, £200. 
Thomas Iloyt, £108 4.s. Id. 

The above is copied from the origiiuil in the hand 
writing of Robert Hogg, familiarly known as '-Master 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 117 

Hogg," whom tradition reports to have heen the first 
teacher who opened a public or private school in Dnnbar- 
ton. The hand-writing is very plain and distinct, better 
than that of most of the clerks who recorded the transac- 
tions of those days in the town books. 



1784. Voted eight days' preaching ; school money 
voted down. 

At a meeting March 16, 1784, the votes for State Presi- 
dent were : For George Atkinson 25, Josiah Bartlett 1. 

At a meeting held at the house of Henry Putney, on the 
last Wednesday of March, 1784, Voted the representa- 
tive his wa<>:es before he is chosen. Voted five shilline's 
per day. Brought in votes for representative: viz.. For 
David Story 39, for Esqr. Bryant 18. David Story chosen 
for Bow and Dunbarton. 

August 30, 1784. Voted David Story agent, to defend 
the action against the town brought by Robert Harris, on 
account of Moses Reed's note; also that the selectmen 
search all the town accounts, to see what defence can be 
made in the action of James Hogg against the said town. 

On the second Monday of September, 1784, Voted the 
grave-yard be fenced with logs, said fence to be made by 
a rate. Chose David Story agent to defend the suit of 
said Hogg. 



1785. Voted eight days' preaching; school money 
voted down. Chose Abraham Burnham, James Clement, 
and James McCalley a committee to settle with Mrs. 
Stark, concerning the school lot. 

Brought in votes for State President : John Langdon 26, 
George Atkinson 20, John Hogg 1. 

Voted, Five dollars for every full grown wolf, killed 
by inhabitants of the town ; and for every wolf's whelp, 
half the sum. Voted, That Dr. DugaU's petition be 
granted ; and voted that the selectmen be empowered to 



118 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

limit tlic ground where said Dugall builds his liouse and 
makes his improvements on the minister lot. 

Dr. Dugall petitioned for liberty to clear and build a 
house on a part of the parsonage, or minister lot, and 
occu]>y the same till a minister was settled; then to 
remove, and have his betterments allowed, or lil)crty to 
remove the same. lie erected buildings on the cross road 
where a house now stands, near the store of Samuel 
Burnliani. 

The committee to confer with ]\[rs. Stark respecting the 
school lot, reported, " That she refuses to take a lease of 
the school lot, or to have a house built for her; but that 
she will leave the matter to indifferent men, what the 
town shall give her for buidings and improvements, she 
not claiming the soil of said school lot, after she has had 
pay for the buildings and making improvements." 

The town voted not to leave the matter to men, but 
chose a committee of three to settle the matter with Mrs. 
Stark. Kathan Burnham, James Clement, and David 
Story were chosen the committee. 

Voted, That the above committee have full power to 
settle the matter with Mrs. Stark concerning the school 
lot, and if they can not settle the matter with her, to carry 
the same into execution by law. 

On the third Tuesday of April, 1785, the committee 
above named reported Mrs. Stark's proposal that the town 
should give her $1000. Voted not to accept it. 

Voted, That the constable cany Mrs. Dawson out of 
Dunbarton to Goffestown, and deliver her to the constable, 
so that she may be carried on to Ipswich. 

The following men protest against paying nrxy of the 
cost of carrying into execution a lawsuit with Mrs. Stark; 
viz., Samuel Stuart, William Stinson, John Fulton, James 
Stinson, David Hogg, Samuel Allison, William Smith. 



1786. Voted ten days' preaching, and no school money. 
Voted a pall for the town's use. 



HISTORY OF BUNBARTON. 119 

Votes for State President : George Atkinson 18, John 
Langdon 27. 

Voted at the adjourned meeting, March 22, scventy-twa 
dollars for the town school for the present year, to be 
divided into proper districts. 

March 28, 1786. James Clement was chosen Represent- 
ative for Dunbarton and Bow. 

November 13, 1786. Voted not to have any paper money 
made upon any plan. [This vote was for the instruction 
of the Representative, such a scheme being then agitated 
in the Assembly.] Put to vote to see if the town will 
treat with Mr. Williams in regard to settlement as a gos- 
pel minister, and it passed in the negative. 



1787. Votes for State President : John Langdon 67, 
Gen. Sullivan 1. For Senator, Ebenezer Webster (father 
of Daniel) 20, Matthew Thornton 20. 

At the adjourned meeting the last Monday of March, 
Voted fifteen pounds for preaching. Voted, To see if 
the people in the east end of the town shall have their 
proportion of preaching in some convenient place in the 
east end of the town ; and it passed in the affirmative. 
Put to vote to see if Caleb Stark and Thomas Stickney 
have their proportion of the preaching according to their 
rates at their own houses ; passed in the affirmative. 
Chose Caleb Stark town treasurer. Adjourned to first 
Monday of March, 1787. Then, Voted, that the select- 
men proportion the foreign, domestic and State debt to 
each individual, so that they may have opportunity to pay 
the same to the State treasurer ; each tax to be made in a 
separate column. ]S"o school money voted this year. 

A meeting was held January 12, 1787, to see if the 
town would absent themselves from the joint meeting 
with Bow, to elect a Representative, upon the ground that 
Dunbarton contains a sufficient number of polls for the 
choice of one. Voted down. 



120 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

1788. Chose John Stinson and Ebenczer ITacket to 
assist the selectmen in takini^ tlie inventory. 

Votes for State Presidmt: John Lan<i-(h)n <)2. 

Voted to raise fifty doHars for preuehini^. Voted to 
raise eig'hty dollars for a town school, and that tlic select- 
men divide the town into proper districts for a town 
school, and that no men send from one district to 
anotlier. 

At a meeting held October 30, 1788, chose Jeremiah 
Page to join a formerly appointed committee ; and, 
Voted, that they agree with Mr. Harris for one year, if 
he will consent ; and if not, to agree with him on a shorter 
time to preach on trial. Voted, that Lieut. John McCnr- 
dy have five dollars for his son's service in the year 1777, 
made equal to what the other men had for the tour. 

On the third Monday of December, 1788, a meeting was 
lield to vote, according to the new act, for three persons to 
represent this State in (Vmgress. Jeremiah Page, Mod- 
erator. Votes : Joshua AVentworth 23, Abiel Foster 24, 
Samuel Livcrmore, Esq., 5, Benjamin West, Esq. 26, 
Samuel J)ana 2, Joshua Atherton 4, Benjamin Bellows, 
Esq. 1, Woodbury Langdon 1. Also, at said meeting, 
brought in votes for electors of l^residcnt and A^ice-Pres- 
ident, as follows: viz., for (Jeneral JJellows 27, Timothy 
Farrar, Esq. 28, Francis Worster 27, Ebenezer Thompson, 
Esq. 28, John Dudley, Esq. 27, AVoodbury Langdon, 
Esq. 31, Benjamin AVest 1, Gen. Moses Dow 1. 

At a meeting held January 2G, 1781* ; after the insertion 
of the warrant for said meeting, the record says: "Since 
the above, we have orders to bring in our votes for three 
men out of six of the highest numbers voted for as repre- 
sentatives for the United States, according to said num- 
bers ; therefore it is notified that at the above meeting the 
town bring in their votes according to order of our Gen- 
eral Court, for said representatives." According to the 
warning, met at time and place, and chose Jeremiah Page 
moderator, and proceeded to bring in votes for representa- 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 121 

tives, as follows, viz : For Benjamin West, 38, Samuel 
Livermoro, Esq., 38, Abiel Foster, Esq., 38. 

Thirdly. Voted to give Mr. Walter Harris a call to 
settle ill said town as a gospel preacher. A^oted to give 
said Walter Harris seventy pounds, lawful money, yearly ; 
the one half to be paid in cash, and the other half in corn 
and rye ; corn at three shillings a bushel, and rye at four 
shillings a bushel, for his salary during his ministry in 
this town. 

Fourthly. Voted, That Lieut. John McCurdy, Mr. Sam- 
uel Burnham and Ensign AVilliam Tenny, together with 
the former committee that was to supply the pulpit, should 
wait on Mr. Harris and inform him of the proceedings of 
the town. Adjourned to the second Tuesday of March 
next. Then, Voted to give Mr. Harris the use of the 
parsonage during his ministry, as is recorded in the pro- 
ceedings of the annual meeting which was held the same 
day. 

On the 27th of March, 1789, at a meeting held at the 
house of Henry Putney, David Story was chosen to repre- 
sent Dunbarton and Bow in the General Court. 



1789. Votes for New-Hampshire President: John Pick- 
ering 43, John Sullivan 1, Gen. Peabody 1. 

Voted, To raise X24 for a town school. 

Voted, To give the first settled minister the parsonage 
lot, during his ministry in said town, reserving to our- 
selves, for the use of the town, six acres off the west end 
of said lot : beginning at the north-west corner of the 
lot, and running south by the highway untiL it comes to 
the highway that leads to Woodbury's Mills ; thence east- 
erl}' by said highway, as will make the six acres by turn- 
ing to the north side of the lot, and running on the line 
of the lot until it strikes the bound first mentioned. 

Voted to build a new meeting-house. At a meeting 
held June 22, 1789, brought in votes for a federal repre- 
9 



122 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

seutative, which were as follows : for Abiel Foster, Esq., 
21. [Mr. Beiij. "West rofusiiio; to accept his ap}>oiiited 
office occasioned the call for another election.] 

Voted, That the last Wednesday of August next be the 
day for the ordination of Mr. Harris. August 3, 1789, 
Voted to postpone raising money for preaching at pre- 
sent. 

Voted, That the head of every class in town hring a 
receipt from tlic school master : [meaning probably the 
committee-man of every school district, who was required 
to produce a receipt, &c.] 



1790. Voles for Stale President: John Pickering 31, 
I. AVentworth 24. 

Voted, £24 for schooling. The warrant calling a town 
meeting on Monday, December 13, contains the following 
article : To bring in votes for two men out of four, wlio 
have tiie highest number of votes, that were not elected 
to represent this State in the Congress of the United 
States. 

Votes were brouglit in for the following gentlemen : 
Mr. Sher])urne 10, Mr. Smith 14, Mr. Gifman 11, Mr. 
Foster 7. 



To "William Gardner, Esq., Slate Treasurer : 

In obedience to 3"our warrant we have assessed the polls 
and estates of tlie town of Dunbarton, of the sum of seven- 
teen pounds, twelve sliillings and three pence, and liave 
ordered the constables to pay the same into the treasury 
on or before tlic last day of December next : viz., Asa 
Burnhani to pay twelve pounds, twelve shillings and seven 
pence ; and have ordered the other constable, William 



£ 


.■?. 


(/. 


12 


12 


7 


4 


19 


8 


.£17 


12 


3 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 123 

Moore, to pay four pounds, nineteen sliillings and eight 
pence; andliavegiven them warrants to collect the same. 
Dated at Dunbarlon June y« 10, 1790. 

James Clement, ) „ 

_, ^^ ' > Committee. 

Ebenezer Hackett, j 



Asa Bnrnham, 
and William Moore, 



1791. Voted 35 pounds for the use of a schooL 

Votes for State President: President Bartlett 51, Jon- 
athan Smith 1. 

Voted, That there be a pound built in the town, to be 
at the cost of the town ; likewise a j^^/r of stocks, at the 
expense of the town. 

Voted, That a burying cloth be provided for the 
town's use. 

Voted, That there be a grave-yard put in good repair, 
south of the meeting-house, on the rise of ground west of 
the fence that Dr. Dugal built on the parsonage lot, by the 
main road, where the " Great Hemlock" now stands. 

A^oted, To build a pound of stone, for the use of the 
town, near James Stinson's. 

Voted, To choose a committee to form a plan for said 
pound ; to consist of three— James Stinson, Capt. Wm. 
Stinson and Abraham Burnham. 

Bcport of ike Committee. — Dimensions of the pound : 
twenty-two feet square, inside ; six feet high, of stone, and 
a stick of timber sided and locked on the wall at the 
corner ; the wall four feet thick at the top, and made of 
large stones ; to be completed before the last day of Sep- 
tember next. Struck ofJ:' at vendue to Abraham Burn- 
ham, at £8 lO.s. 

Voted, The timbers of the old pound to Mr. Harris. 



124 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON, 

An act of tlic Legislature, December 19, 1791, allowed 
the inhabitants of Dunbarton to hold their annual town 
meeting on the Jirsi Tues(hiy of March. A previous vote 
of the town dircctedJeremiah Tage, Esq., to petition for 
said act. 

State of ISTew-Hampsiiire. In the year of our Lord one- 
thousand seven hundred and ninety-one. 

[L. S.j An act altering the time of holding the annual 
meeting in Dunbarton. 

Whereas the annual meetings in Bunbarton are by law 
to beholden on tlie second Tuesday of March, and it has 
been found inconvenient that the meeting should be holden 
on that day, — 

Therefore — Be it enacted by the Senate and House of JRcp- 
rescntatives, in General Court convened, That the annual 
meeting in said town of Dunbarton shall forever hereafter 
be holden on the first Tuesday of March, any law, usage 
or custom to the contrary notwithstanding. 

State of jSTew-IIampshire. In tlie House of Ecpre- 
seutatives, December 13, 1791. The foregoing bill having 
been read a third time passed to be enacted. 

Sent up for concurrence : 

William Plumer, Speaker. 

In Senate, December 14, 1791. This l>ill having ])een 
read a third time, voted that the rtame be enacted. 

JosiAii IUrtlett, Vresident. 

A true copy : attest : 

Joseph Pearson, Secretary. 

A true copy from the act. 

David Story, Town-Clerk. 

Town Records, p. 305, vol. 1. 



HISTOllY OF DUNBARTON. 125 

1792. Votes for State President : Josiali Bartlett 66. 

At a meeting, August 27, voted for Presidential Elect- 
ors as follows : John Pickering 19, Ebeuezer Smith 26, 
Timothy Farrar 26, Moses Dow 26, Robert Wallace 19, 
Benjamin Bellows 26, Joseph Cilley 7, Nathaniel Pea- 
body 7. Also for Representatives to Congress : Abiel 
Foster 17, Jeremiah Smith 18, Timothy Walker 10, James 
Sheafe 20, Nicholas Gilman 12, Nathaniel Peabody 1, 
Paine Wingate 2. On the " acceptance of the constitu- 
tion," thirty votes were given in favor of, and none 
against it. 

At a meeting September 26, 1792, Voted, That no 
person have libert}^ to iniiocuiate for the small pox within 
this town. 



1793. Votes for Governor : John Langdon 64, Josiali 
Bartlett 7. For Rcprcsentatwe to the General Court : Major 
Stark 21, David Story 41, who was elected first representa- 
tive from Duubarton, no longer classed with Bow. 



1794. Votes for Governor : J. T. Gilman 54, Col. Walker 
10, Archelaus Perkins 1. 

At a meeting held December 8, 1794, — Voted for Rep- 
resentative to Congress (U. S.) : for Abial Foster 43. 

Voted, To give each soldier two dollars as bounty on 
his eidisting, and two dollars more as bounty when they 
march for the place of rendezvous ; and make up eight 
dollars per month with what the continent hath already 
granted. 



1795. Votes for Governor : J. T. Gilman 57. 

Voted, To choose a committee of three persons, to 
take a legal method for the recovery of a school lot in 
said town ; and made choice of Capt. Story, Capt. Leach, 
and Asa Burnham for that purpose. 



126 HISTORY OF PUNBARTON. 

1796. Vofes for Governor : lion. Judge Thompson 81. 
We find no record of the vote for Presidential electors. 
1707. Votes for Governor : J. T. Oilman 87. 

1798. Votes for Governor: J. T. Oilman 76, Col. 
Walker 1. 

1799. Votes for Governor : eJ. T. Gihnan 80. Votes for 
a Heprsentaiivc in Com/viss,'m place of lion. Pcleg Sprague, 
resigned : For flames Slieafe 29. 

Voted, Ebenezer Chase, John Mills, and Lieut. Ladd 
be a committee to treat with Mr. Harris respecting taking 
a lease of the pai-sonage lot. 

Voted that no horse kind, or any kind of neat stock, 
meaning horned cattle, be sntlered to i^o at large on the 
common hy the meeting house in Dunbarton, on the 
Lord's day, from 10 o'clock A. M. until 4 o'clock V. M., 
from the first day of December until the first day of April 
ensuing, annually, on penalty that the person or persons 
having the care of such creatures forfeit and pay three 
shilling-sfor each oft'ence, to be recovered by action of 
<{el)tj by any pei*son who shall prosecute the same. 

Voted, That the clerk furnish y*^ Session with a copy of 
the vote concerning crcatui-es going at large on y^ common 
Sundays. 

This vote approved by the Court of Common Pleas, 
September tenn, 1799. Hillsborough ss. 

U. Fl ETCHER, Cleric. 

Voted, To abate Major Caleb Stark's minister tax for 
1793; also those of Arch' d Stark, James Stark, John 
Stinson, and David P'avour: also to abate the minister tax 
for the year 17l>4 of the following [ici'sous : 



Caleb Stark, 
Arch'd Stark, 
James Stark, 
.lohn Stark, 



£ s. 


d. 


2 7 


o 
O 


14 


6 


10 


6 


4 


G 



HISTORY OP DUNBARTON. 127 

1800. Votes for Governor : J. T. Gilman 74, Timothy 
Walker 9. 

Votes on the revision of the Constitution : In favor of it, 
38 ; against it, -j. 

1801. Votes for Governor : .J<jhn T. Gilman 107, Tim- 
othy Walker 18, Capt. Caldwell 1, Timothy Farrar 1. 

Voted, That the selectmen assess as much money as 
they shall judge necessary for the support of the poor, and 
to defray other town charges for the present year. 

The amount of money to be assessed was for several 
years left at the discretion of the selectmen. At the 
adjourned meeting in 1801, the town voted to indulge 
the Rev. W. Harris with a few observations the present 
meeting. They also voted Jeremiah Page, Esq., and 
Eben'r Chase a committee, to look up the school land 
belonging to the town, and report their proceedings. 



1802. Votes for Governor : J. T. Gilman o4, John 
Langdon 46. 

Voted, A bounty of $5.00 on wild cats' heads, and 17 
cents on crows' heads. 

At a meeting in August, 1802 : Voted that stocks be 
erected near the meeting-house in Dunbarton: Also that 
they be erected at the expense of the town. 

1803. Votes for Governor : J. T. Gilman 83, John Lang- 
don oO. 

1804. Votes for Gorernor : J. T. Gilman 83, John Lang- 
don oo. 

180.5. Votes for Governor : J. T. Gilman 78, John Lang- 
don 71, William Beard 1, David Putney 1. 

Chose David Story, Major Stark and Major Mills, a com- 
mittee to take a survey of the town the current year. 

180G. Votes for Governor : John Langdon 58, Timothy 
Farrar 76, John Baker 1, John Stinson 1. 

1807. Votes for Governor : John Langdon 94, Timothy 
Farrar 26, Jeremiah Smith 18, J. T. Gilman 2. 



128 HISTORY OF DUNBARTOX. 

In 1807, probably in consequence of the hostile attack 
by a British man of war (the l^eopard) upon the United 
States frigate Chesapeake, it was voted that the town 
make up to the soldiers who enlist in the United States' 
service, ten dollars a month, with the sum government is 
to pay : Said wages to begin when the soldiers are called 
to said service. Voted, also, to give said soldiers one 
dollar, as bouutv when tliov enlist. 



1808. Votes for Governor: John Langdon 94, J. T. Gil- 
man 1, Phineas Parker 1. Presldentkd vote: Federal 
ticket : Jeremiah Smith and others, 62. Democratic ticket : 
John ]jang<h)U and others, 49. 

At the adjourned meeting in Afarch, 1808, voted to 
give in liobert Stark's ministei* tax for 1807 ; to i)ass 
over that of l*eter C. Paij^e : to srive in that of James Tao-- 
gart ; to pass over those of Jacob Carr, Amos Webster, 
Philip Emery, and John I'age. Voted William Beard 
fifty cents for taking a crazy man. A'otcd Jeremiah Stin- 
son $8-rV(T for services rendered the committee in the sale 
of the parsonage land. Voted Thomas Mills two dollars 
for service in dividing said land. At the meeting held 
August 28, 1808, the town "Voted the selectmen jiay no 
attention to widow Mary McGwinn, under the present 
circumstances." 



1809. Votes for Governor : John Langdon 7o, Jeremiah 
Smith 1, Capt. "William Parker 1. 

"Voted, That the selectmen provide, at the expense of 
the town, the powder, balls, Hints and (.'amp-kettles required 
of said town by la\v, and provide a suitable place t<> (kqiosit 
such articles." When the sup})lies were procured in 1810 
the town voted that they should be deposited in the chamber 
over the jiorch in the meeting-house. 

Voted, That the selectmen attend to Mrs. ^fcOwinn's 
situation, and make })rovision for her, and likewise, look 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 129 

up her property, if she lias any. She was the widow of 
William Stark, and occupied the school lot, with no other 
title than possession and a claim for "betterments" could 
ffive. 



1810. Votes for Governor : Jeremiah Smith 73, John 
Langdon 94, John JMills 1. 

Voted to grant the request of Mr. Peter Patterson of 
a certain piece of land to set a potash upon, opposite his 
store ; and that the bounds be left discretionary with the 
selectmen. At an adjourned meeting, Voted that the 
report of the committee on Mr. Patterson's petition be 
accepted, with this variation : viz., to exclude the term of 
leasing said land nine hundred and ninety-nine jcars ; and 
also the sum specified in the report. Voted that the 
owners of the shed on the common move it off. 

At the meeting to vote for members of Congress, Angust 
27, " Voted to have 2^rai/ers." This is the first and only 
vote of the kind we have observed in the records. 

1811. Votes for Governor : John Langdon 112, Jeremiah 
Smith 68, Jedediah K. Smith 1, J. T. Gilman 1. 

AVilliam Beard refused to take the oath as tithing-man.* 
Voted twenty cents be given to any inhabitant of this 
town for every crow that shall be killed within the limits 
of said town from the middle of March to the last day 
of June next ensuing. [The same bounty was voted in 
1812.] 



1812. Votes for Governor : William Pluraer 92, J. T. 
Gilman 77, Nathaniel Gilman 5, Is'aham Parker 1, William 
Brown 1. 

Voted, To give any soldier called for, who may enlist, 
ten dollars per month each, for every month they may 

* Copied from D. Kecord of 1811. "Tithing-men chose.— 1. Lieut. 
Thomas Mills ; 2. William Beard. Do. refuse to take the oath. 3. 
Major William Brown." 



130 HISTORY OF DUNBARTOX. 

serve, including the five allowed by law. Also, Voted 
to give a bounty of two dollar:^ to each man who may 
enlist in the service of his country, to serve six months 
aftei" rendezvous. The number of men for our said town 
is eleven. 

Voted, To give to each man belonging to the cavalry 
" the same as a soldier above." 



1813. Votes for Governor : William riumer 114, J. T. 
Oilman 98. 

1814. Voles for Governor: J. T. Gilman 108, William 
IMumcr 116. 

The article in the warrant. To see if the town will 
vote to grant the request of a number of petitioners which 
is to give them their part of the parsonage money, that 
the}' may thereby be eiuibled to support the Gospel in 
said town, in the manner their conscience dictates. Put 
to vote and pifssed in the negative. 

Upon the (question of revising the Constitution, the vote 
was ; nays 193 ; yeas 4. 

1815. Votes for Governor: AVilliam IHumcr 11-"), John 
T. (Jilman 105. 

1810. Votes for Governor: Williaiu IMumer 119, James 
Sheafe 96. 

Voted, That freeholders oidy should Ix' town-officers. 

1817. Votes for Governor: William IMumcr 120, James 
Sheafe •••2, John Langdon 1, J. T. Gilman 1, Jeremiah 
Mason 1. 

1818. Votes for Governor : William Plumer 114, Jere- 
miah Mason 81. 

1819. Votes for Governor : David L. Morril 50, Samuel 
Bell 24, William Tlale 21, William IMumer 8, .fohn Harris 
5, Major John Mills 1. 

1820. VAes for Governor: Samuel Ikdl 106, David L. 
.\[orril 22, John Prescott 4, John A7hii)ple 1, William 
Hall 1. 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 131 

1821. Votes for Governor: Samuel Bell 93, David L. 
Morril 9, John Mills 7, John Whipple 3, Edward Gould 
3, James Allison 1, Oliver Bailey, Jr. 1, William Hall 1, 
Henry Moultou, Jr. 1, Jeremiah Mason 1, scattering 27. 

1822. Votes for Governor : Samuel Bell 109, David L. 
Morril 14, Caleb Austin 1, David Austin 1, Thomas C. 
Clement 1, Agnes Whipple 1, David Tenny 1 ; in all scat- 
tering, 5. 

Voted, That whereas Major John Mills, having served 
the town more than twenty years as selectman, has 
expressed his wish to surrender his office, and not be con- 
sidered a future candidate ; whereupon it was unanimously 
voted to express the thanks of the town for his faithful 
and able discharge of the various and difficult duties of 
that office ; and that tliis Vote be recorded on the town 
book. 

Major Mills was elected treasurer in 1791, and con- 
tinued in that office until 1826, (thirty-five years,) when he 
was succeeded by Caleb Page. 

Votes in respect to the new county of Merrimack : 140 
in favor of, and 18 against it. 

In 1822 a portion of territory was detached from the 
south-east part of this town, which, with sections of 
Chester and Goffstown, composed the town of Ilooksett, 
wdiich was incorporated in June, 1822. 

1823. Votes for Governor : Levi Woodbury 95, Samuel 
Dinsmoor, 58. 

1824. Votes for Governor: David L. Morril 99, Jeremiah 
Smith 39, Levi Woodbury 12, Amos Iladley 12. 

Voted, To choose a committee to settle with the town 
of Ilooksett on the best possible terms, but not to exceed 
six hundred dollars. Committee : John Mills, John 
]MiIls, Jr., and Edward Gould. 

A portion of Ilooksett having been set off from Dun- 
barton, the new town was allowed a portion of the public 
property of Dunbarton. 

1825. Votes for Governor: David L. Morril 174, James 
Allison 3, John Mills, Jr., 2. 



132 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 



]82r). Votes for Governor : ]>avid L. Morril lOG, Benja- 
min ]?ierce GO, Amos Mills 2, Edward Gould 1, James 
Stone 1. 

Voted : Whereas ^Fajor John Mills, after having 
served the town for more than thirty years as town treas- 
urer, has expressed his wish to surrender his office and 
not l)e considered a future candidate ; whereupon it was 
unanimously Voted, To express the thanks of the town 
for liis faithful and able discharge of the various and dilii- 
cult duties attending that office, 

1827. Votes for Governor: Benjamin Pierce 98, David 
L. Morril 32, Matthew Harvey 1. 

Voted, To raise eight hundred dollars, by a tax, to 
defray town charges the i)resent year.* 

Voted, That Amos Woodbiiry be excused from pay- 
ing bighway taxes while he remains without a road to liis 
house. 

1828. Votes for Governor: Benjamin Pierce 110, Jolm 
Bell 97. 

On Afonday, Xovember 3, 1828, the town met to ballot 
for Presidontial Electors. The votes were as follows : 



For Andrew .Jackson. 

John Ilarvoy, 
Benning M, Bean, 
"William Pickering, 
Jesse Bowei-s, 
Aaron Matson, 
Jonathan Nye, 
Stephen P. Webster, 
Moses White, 



For Jolm (^uincy Aihiins. 

110 George Sullivan, 108 

110 Samuel (^uirles, 108 

110 Samuel Sparhawk, 108 

110 I William Bixby, 108 

110 William Parker, 108 

110 Thomas Woolson, 108 

110' Ezra Bartlett, 108 

110 William Lovejoy, 108 



1829. Votes for Governor : Benjamin Pierce 110, John 
Bell 90, Mrs. Jeremiah, .Jr., 1. 

Voted, To raise cighl Imiidi'cd dollars, to dol'r;iy town 
charges; also to paint the miH'ting-house. 

* This appears to have been tlic first vote of the kind : the sum to bo 
raised for the above purpose liavinjj previously been at the discretion of 
the selectmen. 



HISTORY OF DUNBART0J7. 133 

Voted, That tlie town will not allow the Baptist Soci- 
ety in Diinbarton to liave their proportion of the parson- 
age property in Dunbarton. 

1830. Votes for Governor: Matthew Harvey 119, Tim- 
othy Uphan 93. 

Voted, To raise eight linndred dollars for town clnirges. 

1831. Votes for Governor: Samuel Dinsmoor 103, Icha- 
bod Bartlott 67. 

Voted, Eight hundred dollars for town charges. 

1832. Votes for Governor: Samuel Dinsmoor 100, Icha- 
bod Bartlett 68. 

Voted, Six hundred dollars for tow^n charges. 

iS'ovember 5, 1832. The towni balloted for Presidential 
Electors as follows : 
Benjamin Pierce,* 109 

Phinehas Parkhurst, 109 
Samuel Collins, 109 

John Taylor, 109 

James Holbrook, 109 

Joseph Weeks, 109 

Moses White, 109 



Langley Boardman, 62 

Enoch Place, 62 

Joshua Barling, 62 

Edmund Parker, 62 

Thomas Bellow\s, 62 

George B. Upham, 62 

John French, 62 

1833. Votes for Governor : Samuel Dinsmoor 122, Sam- 
Fletcher 3. 

On the question of amending the Constitution : against 
it 102, in favor of it 11. 

1834. Votes for Governor: William Badger 95; against 
revising the Constitution, 48 ; in fjivor of it, 59. 

Voted, Four hundred dollars for tow^n charges. 

1835. Votes for Governor: William Badger 131, Joseph 
Healey 33. 

Voted, Four hundred dollars for town charges. 

Voted, That each religious society should have their 
proportion of the meeting-house, according to the number 
of pews that each society owns in said meeting-house. 
Chose John Stinson, John Gould and Caleb Stark, Jr., a 
committee to make a division and proportion accordingly. 

* The town voted for Electors at every Presidential term, but we have 
only inserted the votes of a few meetings. 



134 ]II>!TORY OF DIINBARTON. 

Voted. To divide the pnrsonage )noney according to 
tlic }>()l!s in each society. 

On Saturday, June G, 1835, a meeting was hehl to act 
on the article following : To see if the town will vote to 
relinquish their right and title in the west meeting-house 
in said town, after the second Tuesday of March next, to 
any person or persons disposed to purchase the same, so 
far as regards religious purposes, reserving to the town 
their right of occupancy as a town-house, and stipulating 
with those to whom the town may relinquish said right, 
that said meeting-house shall I'eniain on the ground on 
which it now stands. 

Thirdly. To see if the town will authorize some per- 
son or persons to make such conveyance as the town shall 
authorize. 

Voted, To dismiss the above article from the warrant. 

183G. Votes for Governor : Isaac Hill 109; George Sul- 
livan 1. Voted, three hundred dollars for town cliarges. 
Voted, the parsonage money to he divided according to 
the }i()lls. 

1837. Votes for Governor: Isaac Hill 99. Voted, six 
hundred dollars for town charges. Voted, to purchase a 
farm lor the benefit of the poor in said town ; and chose 
Charles Stinson, Joshua F. Hoyt and Henry I*utney a 
committee to purchase said farm, and report within one 
year. 

23. A'oted, That the pulilic money of the United 
States, which shall be deposited with this State, renuiin in 
the treasurer's office in said State of Xew-]Iampshire. 

24. Voted, to reconsider the vote respecting the public 
money. 

25. Voted, to receive the public money of the United 
States, the proportion of said money belonging to Dun- 
barton. 

26. Chose Caleb Page agent to receive the money for 
the said town of Dunbarton. 

27. A'oted, to excuse Caleb Page being agent. 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 13o 

28. Voted, Joshua F. Hoyt agent to receive said money 
and to let the same out on good sureties. 

31. Voted, That Joshua F. Hoyt give bonds to the town 
for the security of said town. 

32. Voted, That the Congregationalist Society receive . 
no share of the parsonage money. 

Reconsidered this vote, and voted to divide it to each 
society according to the number of polls in each societ3\ 

At a meeting September 2, 1837, Voted, to take the 
surplus revenue fund belonging to the said town, to pay 
for a farm that the said town bought for the benefit of 
their poor. 

Thirdly. Voted, to hire so much of the public money 
belonging to the town as will pay for the remainder of 
said farm. The price of the farm Avas $4,500, and sun- 
dries which were purchased with it, $100, making the 
amount of $4,600. 

1838. Votes for Governor : Isaac Hill 137, James Wil- 
son, Jr. 70. 

Voted, eight hundred dollars for town charges. 

1839. Votes for Governor: John Page 122, James 
Wilson, Jr. 69." 

Voted, five hundred dollars for town charges. 

1840. Votes for Governor : John Page 103, Enos Ste- 
vens 56, George Kent, 3. 

Voted, eight hundred dollars for town charges. 

Voted, to discontinue the road from Isaac Combs'* 
to the road that leads from Robert Chase's to Warren 
Perley's. 

1841. Votes for Governor: John Page 124, Enos Stevens 
54, Daniel Iloyt 6, Nathan Gutterson 1. 

Voted, Eight hundred dollars for town charges. 

A^oted, That the town treasurer collect the money due 
the town, and pay the same over to Charles Stinson, agent 
of the poor farm. 

* We think the vote passed was to discontinue the road to Isaac Combs' 
land, but it is recorded as above. 



186 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

The Litcrarv Fund Avas divided proportioiiiibly among 
the district schools, as was the case hist year. 

1842. Votes for Governor : Henry Hubbard 117, Enos 
Stevens 41, Daniel Iloyt 14, John IL AYhite 9. 

Voted, Eight hundred (k)nars for town charges. 

1843. Votes for Governor: JFenry TTubbard 101, An- 
thony Colby 30, John II. White 10, Daniel Iloyt 25. 

Voted, Seven hundred dollars for town charges. 

1844. Votes for Governor : John IF. Steele IIH, Anthony 
Colby 42, Daidel Iloyt 20, John 11. AVniitc 8. 

Voted, Eight hundred dollars for town charges. 
Voted, iSTot to send a representative. 

1845. Votes for Governor : John II. Steele 91, Anthony 
Colby 49, Daniel Iloit 8, John II. White 2. 

A'^oted, Five hundred dollars for town charges. 
184(3. Votes for Governor: Anthony Colby 51, Jared W. 
Williams 120, Nathaniel S. Berry 17. 
Voted, Five hundred dollars for town charges. 

1847. Votes for Governor: Jared AV. Williams 136, An- 
thony Colby 53, Nathaniel S. Berry 18. 

Voted, Five hundred dollars for town charges. 

1848. Votes for Governor : Jared W. Williams 121, 
Xathaniel S. Berry 68. 

Voted, Five hundred dollars for town charges. 

1849. Votes for Governor : Samuel Dinsmoor 110 ; Levi 
Chamberlain 48, Nathaniel S. Berry 26. 

Voted, Five hundred dollars for town charges. 

1850. Votes for Governor : Samuel Dinsmoor 121, Levi 
Cliandjerlain 49, N. S. Berry 26. 

Chose Henry Putney delegate to Convention for revis- 
ing the Constitution of New-Hampshire. 

Voted, Five hundred dollars for town charges. 

1851. Votes for Governor : Samuel Dinsmoor 67, John 
Atwood 91, Thomas E. Sawyer 51, Benjamin E. Iloyt 1. 

Voted, Five hundred dollars for town charges. 
The Constitutional amendments were rejected by a 
large majority. 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 137 

1852. Votes for Governor : Noah Martin l02, Thomas 
E. Sawyer 55, John Atvvood 56. 

Voted, To raise live hundred dollars for town charges. 

1853. Votes for Governor: Xoah Martin 108, James Bell 
51, John II. White 37. 

Voted, Five hundred dollars for town charges. 

1854. Votes for Governor : James Bell 51, Jared W. Per- 
kins 39, Nathaniel B. Baker 104. 

Voted, Five hundred dollars for town charges ; also, 
voted to raise one hundred and fifty dollars for schools. 

1855. Votes for Governor : Ralph Metcalf 115, Nathaniel 
B. Baker 106, James Bell 1, Asa Fowler, 1. 

Voted, To raise five hundred dollars for town charges, 
and one hundred and fifty dollars for schools. 

1856. Votes for Governor : John S. Wells 114, Ralpli 
Metcalf 108, Ichabod Goodwin 1. 

Voted, Five hundred dollars for town charges. 

1857. Votes for Governor : Asa P. Gate 118, William 
Hailc 111. 

Votes for Representative : Whole number of votes 261 ; 
necessary for a choice 131. Henry L. Buruham had 120. 
Nathaniel H. Wheeler had 131, Ira C. Brown had 1— 
Nathaniel H. Wheeler was, bj^ the moderator, declared 
elected. 

Voted, Five hundred dollai's for town charges. 

1858. Votes for Governor : Asa P. Gate 130, William 
Haile 120. 

Votes for Eepresentat'ice : Whole number 260; necessary 
for a choice 131. Henry L. Burnham had 125, Nathaniel 
H. Wheeler had 134, Gharles Kimball had 1 — Nathaniel 
H. Wheeler was declared by the moderator duly elected. 

Voted, To raise five hundred dollars for town charges. 

Voted, To raise no more money for schools than the 
law requires. 

1859. Votes for Governor: Asa P. Gate 110, Ichabod 
Goodwin 145. 

Voted, Five hundred dollars for town charges. 
10 



138 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

VotocI, To raise no more money for school cliargcs than 
the law i'C(iuiros. 

1800. Votes for Governor : Tcliabod Goodwin 142, Asa 
P. Gate 102. 

Voted, To raise five hundred dollars for town charges. 

Voted. To raise no more school money than the law re- 
quires. 

Voted. That the selectmen be authorized to appropriate 
a sum sutticient to pay for jirinting and binding one copy 
of the History of Dunbarton, now being written by Caleb 
Stark, for each tax-payer in town. 



MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS RELATING TO 
TOWN AFFAIRS. 



WARNING OUT. 

To prevent persons, having no legal residence and no 
ostensible property, from becoming town charges upon 
the places of their temporary abode, the law required that 
they should be warned to leave the town by a notice to 
that effect, served upon them by the constables ; who, in 
several instances, were employed to convey them out of 
town. The records furnish many instances similar to the 
following, dated March 14, 178() : 

Voted, To allow Israel Clifford's account 
brought in for carrying William Hogg to 
Weare, and allowed him £0 Vis. Of/. 

For warning out Mrs. Dawson, 2 

For warning out George Hogg, 3 

For carrying George Hogg and family to 

Weare, 9 

A^oted, Not to allow David Story's account against 
Joshua Folsome, but to support said Story in bringing 
an action against said Folsome, for bringing said Hogg's 
family unlawfully into town. 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 139 

Voted, To allow Ephraim Kinsman £0 19 s. 9 d. for sun- 
dry articles, and warning sundry persons out of town, 
and returning warrants. 

William Beard, as constable, warned out Alexander 
Nichols and others. 



' DR. DUOALL S PETITION. 

To the gentlemen of estates, freeholders, and other in- 
habitants of Dunbarton, in the State of New- Hampshire, 
and at the March meeting on the second Tuesday of 
said month, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven 
hundred and eighty-live, the petition of AYilliam DugalL 
of Dunbarton, in the said State, doctor, humbly request- 
eth of said gentlemen their liberty and votes, in town 
meeting assembled, for him to clear a piece of land on 
the Glebe, or Parson's lot, and to build a house near the 
road, and to have the use of said land, until they have a 
minister settled on it, or the town see cause to take it 
away ; and that your petitioner shall have liberty to sell 
the same or remove it off the premises ; as said petitioner, 
or his heirs, and the town or minister, think best or agree 
upon the same. 

Wherefore your petitioner humbly hopes you will be 
graciously pleased to take under consideration to grant 
your petitioner the above request, and your petitioner 
shall in duty be ever bound to pray. 

William Dugall. 

The above petition was granted, and entered in vol. 1, 
page 217. 

James Clement, Town- Clerk. 



TYTHINGMEN. 



Tythingmen were formerly chosen in the New-England 
colonies at every annual meeting. Their principal duties 
were to preserve order, and prevent persons traveling 
on the highway, from sunrise to sunset, on the Sabbath. 



140 HISTORY OF BUNBARTOX. 

rarty excitement in 1814 induced the enactment of 
special statutes upon the subject, and a rigorous enforce- 
ment of their provisions. Tlie officers, in their zeal to 
discharge their supposed duties, frequently exceeded their 
authority, and rendered themselves liable for damage and 
cost. Many hnmorons instances ol" their misadventures 
might be cited, did our limits permit. A statute regnlat- 
ing their proceedings was, in 1814, enacted by the I^egis- 
lature of Xew-IIampshire, which remained in force nntil 
18o4-5, when it was repealed, having continued for a 
number of years a dead letter in the statue book. 

In this town, tythingmen were chosen from eai-ly times, 
nntil March, 1818, in which year none were ai>})ointed. 
In 1819* John AVilson, Thomas Mills and Terley V. Ray 
were elected, but not sworn. These gentlemen were the 
last tythingmen in this town. John Holmes was the first, 
being the only one chosen at the first town meeting held 
nnder the charter, September 3, 17G5. 

"We have never learned that any difficulty occurred in 
this place during the existence of, or in consecpince of the 
" Sunday law." From this we infer that the inhabitants 
of those days Mere well disposed, orderly, go-to-meeting 
sort of peo])le, who preferred listening to a fervent dis- 
course from Mr. Harris to traveling the roads; or, that 
the custodians of the Sal)batli were indtdgcnt, mind-their- 
own-business sort of ofiicers. I'robably both inferences 
are correct. 



MILITIA THAIXIXGS. 

Militia trainings were once joyous occasions, as Avell to 
those on duty as to the crowd of spectators. Men, boys 
and girls assembled to witness the parade and listen to 
the inspiring music of the fife and drum. 

*In 181li tlic tythinirinon were Jolin Cliaso and Tliomas Haniniond, 
Jr. lu 1818, none were cliosen. After the pnssane of tlie act of 1814, in 
March, 1815, nine were chosen ; in 181G, eight ; and in 1817, ten. 



HISTORY OF DUMBARTON. 141 

But few of the privates wore similar dresses, but tlie 
officers were iu uuiform, and armed with swords or spon- 
toons. The hitter were long hmces, having a steel pike 
at one en<l, just below which was a hatchet, resembling 
an Indian tomahawk. 

The first of these parades we ever witnessed in this 
town was in the fall of 1812. The ofRcors of the com- 
pany (consisting of about 1>0 men), were Capt. David Al- 
exander,. Lieutenant Thomas Stinson, Ensign JohnStinson, 
and Orderly Serjeant Thomas Hammond. The officers, 
after a short drill and a few marches and countermarches, 
treated liberally their men, and the spectators, with as 
much ISlew-England " fire-water" as they desired, accord- 
ing to the custom of the times. 

At the close of the drill a hollow square was formed, 
into which advanced the veteran IVIajor John Mills, then 
first selectman, who delivered to each man a quarter of a 
pound of powder; and vendued their dinner, for the com- 
ing muster-day, to tlie lowest bidder ; the materials for 
whicli were to be, as declared in his own words, "good 
fresh beef, well baked or roasted ; good wheat bread, well 
baked; good old cider, or new cider, well worked," &c. 

We doubt the State's policy in dispensing with the an- 
nual parades and musters. To restore the organization, 
broken down by act of the Legislature, would now prove 
a difficult undertaking, whatever may be the emergency. 
If " coming events cast their shadow before," we know not 
how soon such a necessity may transpire ; or the now ap- 
parently peaceful repose of the country be broken by the 
martial tones of "trumpet and drum," and the tumult, 
horrors and desolation of war. 



RAISINGS, AND TRIALS OF STRENGTH AND SKILL. 

At the raising or moving of buildings, and other occa- 
sions when people assembled in numbers to assist volun- 
tarily in performing lal)ors which required the united 
strength of many, the good cheer at such times plentifully 



142 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

supplied, usually led to trials of strength and skill in 
gymnastic exercises. 

Lifting heavy weights, pitching quoits, throwing the 
har, or a heavy piece of iron, pulling sticks, and wrest- 
ling, were generally the closing scenes of these friendly 
gatherings. Kveu in our own time we have witnessed 
and taken part in such pastimes. \t town meetings, 
also, such encounters were customary. 

Wrestling matches were frequently commenced hy hoys ; 
each, who was thrown, hriuging in a champion, and thus 
proceeding onward, the wrestlers increasing in si/c and 
affc at each trial, until nun were called into the ai'cna 
where hoys first contended. The person who threw his 
man in the last encounter was declared hy all persons to 
have "carried the I'ing." 

All men distinguished in these athletic exercises — such 
men as lived in the days of Tiohert Rogers — (himself /u'rer 
vanquished in such trials) were known to each other hy 
reputation, although resident in distant towns. It was 
customary for such notahle individuals to travel many 
miles to "try a fall at wrestling" with other champions, 
although entire strangers. 

An anecdote in the History of ^ianchester exemplifies 
this species of wrestling errantry, although the result was 
perhaps not satisfactory to the knight who came so far to 
ohtain ixfall. 

A ])erson cjilled at the house of .lohn McXiel, of Lon- 
<londerrv, in consequence of Inning heard of his strength 
and ]>r()wess. MeXiel was ahsent. which circumstance 
the stranger regretted (as he informed his wife, Christian, 
who inquired his husiness), since he had traveled many 
miles for no other ])nrpose than to " thi'ow him." 

"And troth mon," said Christian McNiel, " Johnny is 

gone, hut I'n t the wonnin to see ye disapjiointed : an' 

[ think ii" ye "11 try, mon, I Ml throw ye mcsclf" The 
stranger, not liking to he hantered hy a wonum, accepted 
the challenge ; and, sure enough, Christian tripped his 
heels and threw him upon the ground. The stranger, 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 143 

vipon getting up, thought he would not wait for " John- 
sij;" but left, without deigning to leave his name. 



BOUNDS OF THP] COMMON. 

DuNBARTON, 7th Octoher, 1803. Agreeably to a vote of 
the town, last March meeting, we, the subscribers, have 
this day measured the land about the meeting-house, called 
the "Meeting-house Common," and set bounds to the same, 
which are as follows : viz.. Began at the north-west cor- 
ner of said common, which is the corner of a lot; tlience 
running south four degrees east, on the line, sixty rods, 
to a stake and stones ; thence north eighty-seven degrees 
east, twenty rods and six tenths, to a stake and stones ; 
thence north four degrees west, sixty rods, to the lot line, 
to a stake and stones ; thence westerl}' to the first bound. 

John Mills, •\ 

John Gould, Jr., > Selectmen. 

John Stinson, j 

Attest: Jeremiah Stinson, Town-Clerk. 

Records, vol. 2, ]). 277. 



EXTRACT FROM THE GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE, 
BY DR. CHARLES T. JACKSON. 

In Dunbarton, a silver mine was talked of, and on 
searching for it we discovered that an ore of arsenic had 
been mistaken for silver. The locality is situated near 
the house and on the estate of Mr. Stephen Wheeler, who 
kindly assisted in its exploration. The arsenic ore is in- 
cluded, as a bed, between a strata of mica slate, resting 
directly in granite. It is from six to eight inches in thick- 
ness, and is very heavy, and rich in arsenic. The bed 
with the strata is to the south 80°, east 20°, and runs 
north and south. Large quantities of loose pieces of the 
ore may be easily obtained on the surface and in the soil. 



144 HISTORY OF DUNBARTOX. 

Tlii>< iiiiiio if* a quarter of a mile north-west from Mr. 
Stephen Wlieeler's liouse, on his estate, adjoining Dea. 
Joel AVhceler's. The tiehl where it occurs was, Avlicn we 
were there, cultivated for rye, but is very rough, broken 
and rocky. 

Associated with the arsenical pyrites, the gvccn arseni- 
ate of iron is found, forming investing hiyers on the ore^ 
and scorodite, or the yellow aseniate of iron, occtirs in 
concretionary masses and thin crusts between the joints 
and cavities. 

A little argcntiferotis galena was also found in dissemi- 
nated branches and chrystals. Kadiated black tourma- 
line exists in the mica slate, and (piartz ciystals are found 
in the vein and in the soil. Kaolin, or clay, from decom- 
pc^sed granite, tills np many spaces between tlie rocks. 
From tlie frequent association of arsenical pyrites \^■ith; 
tin ore, Ave Avere led to expect its occurrence at this place^ 
aiid woi'ked diligently in search for it, until driven from 
the lield by a heavy and long continued thunder-storm, 
with violent rain. It may be worth while to search the 
rocks in this vicinity with care, to ascertain if oxide of 
tin occurs there. 



LEASE OF TOWN LANDS. 

Tn March, 180-5, Jererniali Page, David Story and Ebcn- 
ezer Chase were appointed a committee to lease all the 
school land for nine hundred and ninety-nine A'eare. For 
the consideration of the sum of tive hnndre<l and seventy- 
seven dollars and twenty cents, they leased to John Ray- 
mond, he being the highest bidder, at a public vendue^ 
the " school lot of land in Duidtarton, being the north 
side of the lot Xo. 8, in the tirst range in said Dunbarton^ 
the one half of said lot in quantity, cont;;ining iil'ty-tive 
acres, more or less." [This is now, 18H(), partly owne() 
by Caleb Stark.] 

In 1804, David Story, Major V. Stark and John Mills 
were appointed a committee to lease, for nine hundred 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 145 

and ninety-nine j'cars, a portion of tlio Mceting-lionse 
Common, in the same manner, at venclne. It is thus de- 
scribed : "Being part of tlio six acres reserved ont of the 
parsonage Umd hy the town, lying north of tlio grave- 
yard, containing abont one acre, more or less, and bounded 
as follows : Beginning at a stake and stones the east 
side of the road, thence running easterl}^ by land of Jere- 
miah Stinson, about sixteen rods, to stake and stones; 
thence southerly by the parsonage land, about nine rods, 
to stake and stones ; thence westerly by common land, 
and the grave-yard, about sixteen rods, to stake and 
stones ; thence northerly to bound first mentioned." 

Nathan Greeley, trader, and Jeremiah Stinson, Esq., 
were the highest bidders, and to them it was struck off, 
at two hundred and one dollars. 

In 1805 another portion of the town land was similarly 
disposed of to Il^athaniel and James B. Colby, of IIop- 
kinton, for two hundred dollars. Another portion of 
town land was, in 1806, leased in the same manner to 
Jeremiah and John Stinson, for two hundred dollars. An- 
other portion was, in 1808, leased as aforesaid, to Thomas 
and Jeremiah Page Raymond, for five hundred and sev- 
enty-seven dollars and seventy-seven .cents. On each 
lease ten dollars in casli was paid down, and a bond, draw- 
ing interest annually, given for the balance. 



GRAVE-YARD WALL. 

DuNBARTON, September 29, 1800. Conditions of sale 
for fencing the grave-yard, l)y the meeting-house in said 
town, to be vendued to the lowest bidder, according to 
the proprietors' vote, September 8, 1800. 

1. The lowest bidder or bidders to be undertaker (or 
undertakers). 

2. The bids to be by the rod, and nothing short of ten 
cents will be considered a bid. 

3. The same to be in lots, in the following manner : 
viz., Lot first, from the north-west corner of the gate, to 



146 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

the south-west cornor, thcuec turning the course to the 
south-east corner. The before mentioned lots are consid- 
ered faced walL 

Lot third to ]»e iVoui the south-east corner to the noi'tli- 
east corner, fnun tlu'iice west, to the bound first men- 
tioned. Tliis is considered as good common stone walh 

4. The gate to be vendued in the same manner as the 
buikling of the walh 

f). Tlie faced wall to be equally as well faced as that of 
the liev. Walter Harris, — the south side of his bars that 
lead into his iiehl, the south end of his wall, near his 
yard. The common wall to be e(}ually as good as that of 
Capt. William Htinson, east of his house, on the north 
side of the road, from his house to his pasture bars, be- 
tween his liousc and the head of the lane east of his house. 

0. The undertakers to give bonds to the committee, 
chosen by the jtroprietors for that purpose, for the fultill- 
ment, and the committee to give their obligation for }»ay- 
ment to the undertakers. 

David Story, ^ 
John Mills, > Committee. 
Timothy Ladd, j 
Danikl Jamksox, Toicn-Clerk. 



STATE OF NKW-UAMl'SHIRF. 

ll'dlsboroagh ss. — These are to notify and warn all the 
pro[»netors of the grave-yard fence, by the meeting-house 
in I)uid)arton, to meet at the meeting-house in Dunbar- 
ton, on J^'i'iday, the lOth instant, at 8 o'clock ]*. M., to act 
on the following articles : viz., 

1. To clioosc a moderator, to govern said meeting. 

2. To see if the proprietors Avill vote to acce[)t the said 
grave-yard fence, since the committee think it is not 
made according to the oltligalion. 

3. To act u]ion any othci* uiattcr they may think ])roper 

when met. 

Damfi. Jameson, Proprietors Clerk. 

Dunlnirton, October 12, 1801. 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 147 

DuNBARTON, Octobcr 16, 1801. Met according to warn- 
ing, at time and place. 

1. Chose David Story, Esq., moderator, to govern said 
meeting. 

2. Voted, To adjourn this meeting lialf an hour at this 
place. 

Met according to adjournment, at time and phice. 

Voted, To accept of tlio report of the committee for 
the grave-yard fence. They report that the common wall, 
built by William Smith, is agreeal)le to the obligation. 
They report that the doable wall, built by AVilliam Stin- 
son, 3d, is not agreeable to the obligation. 

Voted, To adjourn this meeting a short space of time 
at this place. 

Met according to adjournment. 

Voted, To accept the report of the committee, last 
made, which is that William Stiuson, 3d, come under ob- 
ligation to keep said double wall in repair for ten years 
from this present meeting. Voted, That the afore-named 
committee be authorized to take bonds of said Stinson 
for the repair of said faced wall tor ten years. Voted, 
Not to abate the tax of a ***** horse, taxed to Capt. Rob- 
ert Holmes. Voted, Tbat the committee take bonds of 
John Bunten for the tax bill delivered to him for building 
the grave-yard fence. Voted, To dissolve this meeting. 
Daniel Jameson, Propridors' Clerk. 

Dunbarton, October 17, 1801. * 



GRAVE-YARD. 



In 1766 the town " Voted, That the selectmen build a 
pound, and fence the grave-yard;" and in 1767, "Voted, 
That the pound be built as near the meeting-house as pos- 
sible;" also "Voted, That any person or persons who 
shall not come, or send a hand to help build said pound, 
and fence the grave-yard, upon the third Tuesday of June 



148 HISTORY OF DUXBARTOX. 

next, shall pay tlirce sliillin^-s, lawl'ul money, to the select- 
men, to he collected by the constable." 

A pound was consequently erected near the meeting- 
house, constructed of round and split logs, and the grave- 
yard fence in a similar manner. 

Tradition reports that several years previous to the 
passagH! of the foregoing votes, the first sermon ever heard 
in tills, then forest township, was dcTn-crcd l)y the liev. 
Mr. McGregore, in the open air, u}»on tlie ground now 
inclosed as the central })ublic cemetery. ^Several of tbe 
audience upon that highly interesting occasion probably 
lie, "each in his narrow cell for ever laid," within its sur- 
rounding walls. 

During a visit to this consecrated inelosure, a few days 
since, we ol)served with pleasure indications of recent 
improvement in the many elegant monuments reared to 
the memory of the dead, surrounded with shrubs and 
tiowers, cxhil/iting the piety and taste of surviving rela- 
tives. 

The disposition to adorn, witli the ]»roductions of na- 
ture and art, the hallowed ground where mortals find 
their last repose, we are happy to say is increasing in the 
community. Its progress and results deserve encoui-age- 
mcnt and commendation. "Foul fall the hand" that 
would mutilate a memorial erected b}- friends to designate 
the i)lace where objects of their affection are laid at rest: 

1^0— 

Kest till the morn mIioii trumpet souiul 
Shall rouse death's sleepers iVoui their bed; 
AMicii earth and oeeaii, cirelinii; round, 
Yield up their spoils of quick and dead ; 
AVhen friends shall meet, trom woes at rest, 
In IleaveiTs pure conclave of the blest. 

Tlie oldest stone in the yard, with an inscription, is 
that of Samuel Foster Cunningham, son of George 
('unningham, who died in IT'.U, aged nine years. 
The first i)erson buried in the yard was Samuel 
Stins(^n. His grave is near the hearse-house. No 
stone, bearing any inscription, nuirks the spot. lie w'as 



• HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 149 

one of the first settlers. We copied from stones in this 
cemetery the following- memorials : 

"Mrs. Hannah Burnluun, died March 1, 1805; relict of the late Lieut. 
Nathan Burnhani, (if Ipswich, Massachusetts, who fell at the defeat of the 
British army at Ticonderoga, A. D. 1758." 

Qqot. William Stinson. 

" Stranger, like you, I once enjoyed my healtli, 
Kelations pleasant, and sufficient wealth, 
Till Eden's fiery law alarmed my soul. 
The Saviour spoke — I bowed to his control. 
Kiches more enchanting, brighter joys I found, 
Than earth afturd or Eden blooming round. 

On the stone of Mr. William Beard arc engraved, after 
the date and age, the appropriate words : " A soldier of 
the Revolution." 

Caleb Mills. 

" ]My children dear, as you draw near, 

Your father's grave to see. 
Not long ago I was with you, 

And soon you 'II be with me." 

Mrs. Tamar Mills. 

" Our labors done, secureh* laid 

In this our last retreat, 
Unheeded o'er our silent dust, 

The storms of life shall beat." 

Benjamin Twiss. 

" Time was, I stood where thou dost now, 
And viewed the dead, as thou dost me ; 
Ere long thou 'It lie as low as I, 
And others stand and look on thee."' 

The town contains two other public cemeteries; one 
at Page's Corner, and one on its eastern border, near Bow- 
line. The family of the late Major Caleb Stark have a 
private burial place upon tlieir estate, on the road leading 
from Concord to Weare. 



150 HISTORY OF BUXBAKTOX. • 

Physiciaxs. J)octor Jolm (\)clii-;in was assigned, in 1752, 
lots nuriil)ore(l two, tliree atid four, in the eighth range. 
In regard to his residence and practice as a physician 
we are not informed. Dr. Dngall was permitted, as a 
temporary residence, to erect a liousc upon the minister's 
k)t. He practiced before and after tliat date. 

Dr. Symmes Sawyer was married May 31, 1792, to 
ivuth, (hiugliter of lion. Jeremiali Dage, and practiced 
before and after that year. Dr. dames Clement, Dr. Shaw 
and ])r. David Migliill, were resident physicians. The 
latter married, September 7, 1814, Betsej" Mil Is, daughter 
of Major Jolm Mills. 

Dr. Isaac Stearns, from Lovewcll, Maine, settled here 
in 1819. He married Eunice P., daughter of Mr. Benja- 
min Marshall, and for his second wife Mrs. Lund, daugh- 
ter of ^Tr. Jeremial] Page. He died August 31, 1850, 
aged 57. Tie was an amiable person, much respected, and 
was post-master at the time of his death. 

After his departure, Dr. Merrill settled here. lie re- 
mained a year, more or less. We have now no resident 
physicians, uidess we consider, as such, our good friend, 
True Morse, who prepares many remedies for the benefit 
of invalids, and Mi', donatlian Colby, who possesses the 
poAver of healing which a *' seventh son" can exercise. 

Ma(;istuati:s. Justices of the Quorum : Calel) Stark, 
Henry L. Bui-idiam. Justices : Xathan Gutterson, Daniel 
H. I'arker, Xathaniel II. AVlieeler, John Burnham, Jona- 
than Ireland, John Stinson, Charles Holmes, John C. Hay, 
Charles G. B. Ryder, AVilliam B. Burnham, Josiah Rich- 
ardson, Henry Putney, Leonard KowcU. 

Religious Associations. These are four : viz., the 
Congregationalist, Universalist, Methodist and Baptist so- 
cieties. The Baptists have two meeting-houses. The 
Universalists hold their meetings in the towii-house. The 
Methodists use cue of the Baptist houses. The Congre- 



UISTORY OF DUMBARTON. 151 

gationalists have a mccting-liousc and vestry building. 
Of the above named societies the hitter only support a 
permanent clergyman. 



REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS. 

Although this town furnished, upon all occasions, its ft^ll 
quota of soldiers for the Continental army, and militia 
volunteers, we find in the town- clerks' records but few of 
their names. 

John Mills, William Beard, Holmes, Caleb Stark 

and John McPherson were at Bunker's Hill, and probably 
in other actions of the war. 

On the 22d of July, 1777, eighteen men were required 
for the Bennington expedition. Thomas Mills, a son of 
John McCurdy, Alexander Hogg and Thomas Hoyt vol- 
unteered on that occasion. 

In 1781 eight men were called for, as recruits for the 
Continental regiments. To fill up their quota at that 
time the town hired, among others, John Dorman, Amos 
Barnes, John Morgan, Moses Heath and iSTicholas Dodge. 
The contracts of Heath and Bodge are inserted in this 
work among the transactions of 1780 and 1781. 

The soldiers of 1812 from this town were Joseph Col- 
lins, of the 4th regiment U. S. infantry. He was at Chat- 
taugee, and at the attack of LaCole or Stone Mills, in 
1814. He died a few years ago. 

Thomas Ayer, of the 11th infantry, was in the actions 
of Chippewa and iSTiagara. He is now the oldest person in 
town, having entered his 91st year in May, 1860. 

Charles Hart was a soldier in 1813. 

Benjamin Whipple and Ephraim S. Clement volun- 
teered in the Massachusetts regiment for the Mexican 
war. The latter died at Vera Cruz, and the former soon 
after his return home. 



152 IIISTOKY OF DUNBAIITON, 

ECCLESIAPTICAL 8TATISTICP. 

For tlie following we arc indebted to the Rev. John AI. 
Putnam : 

Congngntional Chnrcli. in Dunharton. 

Tliis c'liiircli was organized June 18, 1789, consisting of 
ten nicinbers. This was about forty years after the first 
]^V3i'iiianent settlement was made, by ^^■]lite inhabitants, 
and twenty-four years after the town was incor])orated 
undeT the name of Dunbarton. 

In ]7G0, about twenty years before tlie organization of 
the chureli, the town had erected a rude structure which 
they denominated a meeting-house, and which was used 
for ])ur]toscs of pul)lic worship, thougli it had scarcelN' 
any resemblance to a church edifice of the })resent day. 
It stood wlicre the old meeting-house, belonging to the 
town, now stands. All around was an uncultivated, wild 
forest, casting the shadows of its foliage upon the court 
of the Lord's house. 

In 178!), the town voted, on certain specified conditions, 
to build a new meeting-house, ^^■hich vote was carried 
into effect. In August (2(3tli) following, the Kev. Walter 
Harris was ordained over the church as pastor. 

In 1792, the third year of the ministry of the new pas- 
tor, there was a religious awakening of a very marked 
character. The result was a great enlargement of the 
church, bringing into it eighty new mcmbei-s. 

In 181G another season of refreshing from the Divine 
presence was experienced, which resulted in forty acces- 
sions to the chuivh in the course of that and the ensuing 
yeai'. 

The year 182G is also memorable for the manifestations 
ol" the grace of God to this church. Eighty new mem- 
bei's were added, in connection with this extensive awak- 
ening. About four years after this, Dr. Harris closed his 
long and highly useful labors as pastor of this church. 
But his influence still lives ; beautiful as a thread of gold, 
and, with the strength of iron, it is interwoven with the 
character of this people. 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 153 

In 1830, July 8, the second pastor of tliis church, the 
Rev. John M. Putnam, (the present pastor) was installed 
by the same council that dismissed Dr. Harris. 

In the spring of 1831 — about eight months after the 
present pastor's settlement — there was a revival of religion 
which brought into the church fifty new members. 

In 1836 the church, in connection with the religious 
society associated with it, erected a new meeting-house ; 
the one in which they now worship. 

In 1858 another season of special religious interest was 
experienced, which brought into the church twenty-three 
new members. These were mainly heads of families, of 
the young and middle-aged portion of the community, 
whose acquisition greatly added to the strength of the 
church. 

The church is united and prosperous, comprising about 
one fifth of the adult population in town : Resident mem- 
bers, 111 — 43 males, 68 females ; absent, 18 ; total, 129. 
Number admitted by profession since the formation of 
the church, in 1789, three hundred and sixty. 

There is one fact somewhat remarkable in relation to 
this church, which is, that it has never had but one pastor 
beside the present one, although it has not been a day 
without a settled minister for more than seventy years — a 
fact to which it would not be easy to find a parallel. 

Dunbarton, April 30, 1860. 

Baptist Society. 

The first Baptist society w^as formed in the Spring of 
1828, and in November of that year the first church was 
organized. The second society, at Page's Comer, was 
formed at the house of Peter C. Pao-e. 

Both the first and second societies were united at Bun- 
barton Centre, in November or December, 1846. 

The UniversaUst Society was formed in 1830, by Nathan 
Gutterson, Joshua F. Hoyt, Silas Burnham, Alexander Gil- 
christ, and others. 
11 



154 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

The Methodist Societ>f was formed about 1847, by John 
Gate, Moses AV. Woodburv and Xathaniel Coll)y. 



POPT-OFFICES, AC. 

The first post-office in this town was established at the 
central village, in 1817, when the Hon. Return Jonathan 
]Meig3 was Postmaster-General of the United States, and 
David Tennoy appointed post-master. His commission 
is dated October 17, 1817. lie was succeeded by James 
Allison, Richard Parkinson, Isaac Stearns, Samuel Burn- 
ham, "Warren Pcrley and Moses Perley, the present in- 
cumbent. 

Another post-office was established in the Gould Dis- 
trict, called " East Dunbarton," but discontinued several 
years ago. 

In 1834 a post-office was established at Page's Corner, 
called " North Dunbarton," and Adams Roberts appointed 
post-master. He declined the office, and Peter C. Page 
was appointed in his place. Ho was succeeded by John 
P. Tenney and George W. Page, the present post-master. 

Prior to the year 1817 the letters to the people of this 
town " Avcre few and far between." The nearest post- 
office was Concord. The principal newspapers taken'were 
the Farmers' Cabinet, of Andierst, the New-Hampshire 
Patriot, by Isaac and AV. R. Hill, and Tuttlc's Concord 
Gazette, which were conveyed to the subscribers by the 
subscribers in turn. The editors notified them by writing 
upon their papers the words, "Your turn next." Upon 
receiving this notice, a person rode on horse-back to the 
place of publication, and brought the papers, directed to 
each individual subscriber ; which were left at some cen- 
tral point for distribution. 

Single horse wagons were rarely seen, in this region, in 
1812. The first one we ever saw was brought into town 
by Ebenezer Chase. It was strong enough to sustain any 
load that two horses could draw. 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 155 

Chaises, with square tops, had been for several years 
previously possessed by several persons. The first bel- 
lows-topped chaise brought into town, in 1808-9, was 
owned by Major C. Stark. An awkward old sulkey, in 
which he was once accustomed to ride, was sold to Dr. 
Oreen, of Concord, who used it until his death. 

The pastures of this town were, even in carl}^ times, 
noted for supporting good cattle and horses, as was the 
town for possessing good riders. General Stark brought 
home a number of blood horses and mares, purchased at 
the sale of Burgoyne's army efltects, at Saratoga, Avhich 
acquisition much improved the breed of horses in this 
region. 



TllADERS. 



Major Caleb Stark opened the first store in this town, 
at " Page Corner." Ilis assortment of goods was more 
extensive than that of any establisliment within thirty 
miles. After he removed his store to the " Borough 
Farm" his transactions became more extended. Persons 
came from Connecticut river, and from places fifty miles 
or more distant, to trade with him. 

We once heard him say that he had taken, in barter, 
20,000 yards of tow and linen cloth in a year, and other 
country produce in proportion. He employed coopers to 
•prepare casks for butter, beef, pork, and other matters, 
including pot and pearl ashes, for the Boston market ; and 
teamsters were constantly in his pay, transporting freights 
in wagons to and from Boston, until, in connection with 
Isaac Riddle, Esq., he opened the navigation of the Mer- 
rimack river as far as Bedford. 

The prosperity of his aftairs induced him to engage in 
navigation. He built and owned several vessels. One of 
them was lost at sea, and another captured under the 
operation of the "British Orders in Council." By these 
disasters he sustained a loss of more than twenty-five 
thousand dollars. In 1806-7 he opened a mercantile 



156 HISTORY OF DUNBARTOX. 

cstablislimciit at Boston, in company with Mr. John Mc- 
Kinstrv, liis hrother-in-hnv. 

Before his removal thither, otlier stores were opened in 
town. The following persons, at times, were engaged in 
trade at l^nnharton Centre : Xathan Greeley, Peter Pat- 
terson (a lame num), Pliinehas and AVm, Parker, William 
Green, David Tenney, James Allison, Allison & Evans, 

& Brown, Leach & Poor, and Samuel Burnham, 

who is now the only store-keeper in Dunharton. The 
traders at the " Page Poad," since Major Stark's time, 
liave heen : AVilliam Green, Jeremiah Page, Jr., and John 
Kimball, Dudley & Sargent, Adams Roberts, William Fol- 
lanshee, Orcn Foster, Erastus AVoodbnry, and James Lord. 



NEW MEETING-IIOUSE. 

J)uNT3ART0N, May 6, 1780. At a legal meeting, holden 
this day at the meeting-house in said town, for the pur- 
pose of building or repairing the meeting-house, pro- 
ceeded as followeth, viz : 

1. Chose Jeremiah Page. Esq., moderator, to govern 
said meeting, 

2. Voted, To build a new meeting-house, proviiling the 
pews will sell for enough to build said house, together 
with tlie old meeting-house being added to defray the cost* 
of the new one, the dimensions of which are to be forty 
feet by fifty. 

3. Voted, To choose a committee of three men : viz.. 
Ensign William Tenney, (^apt. David Story and James 
Stinson ; said committee to make proper draughts of said 
house, and conditions of sale for pews in said house, and 
lay the same before the town at the adjournment of said 
meeting. 

-\. Voted, To adjourn the meeting to the twenty-sixth 
day of May next, at ten o'clock, at the meeting-house, in 
order to make sale of the pews. 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 157 

DuNBARTON, May 26, 1789. Met according to adjourn- 
ment, and proceeded to sell the pews below the galleries, 
and they were sold for the sum of four hundred and one 
pounds, one shilling. 

Voted, That the above committee continue in office 
until further orders of the town. 

Voted, To adjourn this meeting to Thursday next, at 
one o'clock P. M., at the meeting-house, in order to sell 
the gallery pews, and transact other necessary business. 



DuNBARTOX, June 2, 1789. Met according to adjourn- 
ment, and voted to accept the pew No. 23, to remain the 
parsonage pew, for the use of the minister." 

2. Proceeded to sell the pews in the galleries, and sold 
the same for the sum of <£126 Gs. Od., after which Ensign 
William Tenney oftered to build the meeting-house and 
complete the same for what mone}^ and other articles the 
pews amounted to ; after which the town voted to accept 
said Tenney's ofi'er, b}' his giving sufficient security for 
his performance ; after which the town proceeded to ap- 
point a committee of three, as follow^eth : Capt. David 
Story, Capt. William Stinson and Mr. James Clement, in 
order to take bonds of said Tenney, and see the business 
completed. Lastly, Voted, To adjourn this meeting to 
Monday, the 22d day of this instant, June, at one o'clock, 
at the meetino'-house. 



Met according to adjournment, and voted to accept the 
bond taken by the foregoing committee, of Archibald 
Stinson and William Tenney, undertakers to build the 
meeting-house. 

Voted, To adjourn this meeting to the third day of 
August next, at two o'clock, at the meeting-house. 

David Story, Toion- Clerk. 



At a legal meeting, held on the 26th of May, 1789, the 
following matters were considered : 

Conditions of sale of the pews in the new meeting- 



158 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

liousG to be built by tlie inliabitants of Dunbarton, as fol- 
lovveth : 

1. The highest bidder shall be the purchaser, and have 
his choice, by said pew being struck otf to him, and so 
continue through the sale of the whole. 

•1. Xo sum short of three shillings shall be accepted as 
a bid. 

-■>. The purchasers of each shall pay as followcth, viz. : 
the one sixth part in cash, one sixth part in labor, one 
sixtli part in lumber, the remaining half in produce. 

4. The payments to be made as followeth, viz. : the 
whole of the framing timber, and one half of the cash, 
and one half of the produce, to be paid at or before the 
first day of April next ; timber or lumber to be delivered 
at or before the iirst day of April next ; timber and other 
hnnber to be delivered at the old meeting-house, to the 
acceptance of the committee chosen for tliat purpose, and 
the remainder of said cash aiul i>roduce to be paid on the 
first of December following said April before mentioned. 

5. The purchaser is to give suiiicient security to the 
committee for the payment on the pew struck off to him. 

6. The committee is to give sufficient surety to the 
purchaser for a bill of sale for his pew, by his completing 
his payment. 

The price of produce, lunil)er and other articles of pa}'- 
ment to be as followeth, viz. : 

Good nierchantal)le white pine boainls, IIK?. per thous- 
and ; good clear boards, 40.s. per thousand ; good short 
shingles, Qs. per thousand ; good clapboards, 30.:?. per 
thousand ; good lath boards, 15.s. per thousand ; good 
joists, 24.5f. per thousand ; good pine and chestnut timber, 
well hewed, according to directions given by the commit- 
tee, 105. per ton ; white oak, 155. per ton ; Indian corn, 
35. per bushel ; rye, 45. per bushel ; good grass fed beef, 
2O5. per hundred, and other neat stock in proportion ; 
good pork, well fatted, 30>s'. per hundred ; all of the above 
mentioned articles to the acceptance of the committee. 
Labor to be estimated as followeth, viz. : common labor, 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 



159 



3s. per day ; joiners, 45. per day ; master carpenters, 55. 
per day. Said laborers to find their own diet. 

DuNBARTox, May 26, 1789. The above articles voted 
and accepted by the town. 

Voted, That any person, not an inhabitant, shall liave 
the same privilege in purchasing as the inhabitants have. 





FLOOR PEWS. 






No. 




£. ,s. d. 


Nos. 


£. 


S. (/. 


20. 


James Stinson, 


9 15 


24. 


Doctor Sawyer, 


15 


00 


18. 


Capt. Burnham, 


9 18 


35. 


Capt. Stinsoii, 


15 


00 


0. 


John Bunten, 


9 19 


25. 


Capt. Caldwell, 


15 


00 


5. 


William Moore, 


9 19 


34. 


Esquire Hogg, 


15 





8. 


Lieut. Ladd, 


9 16 


26. 


Abraham Burnhaiu, 


15 


3 


7. 


William Page. 


9 15 


33. 


Lt. J. Mills, 


15 


00 








29. 


Daniel Story, 


14 


9 




GALLERY PEWS. 




12. 


Ebenezer Hacket, 


14 


00 


2. 


Ebenezer Eyder, 


6 19 


28. 


Archibald Stinson, 


13 


15 


21. 


David Putney, 


7 2 


22. 


Esquire Page, 


13 


3 


22. 


Samuel Allison. 


7 2 


30. 


Tiiomas Mills, 


13 





1. 


Hazediah Woodbury, 


7 1 1 


i3. 


Ensign Tenney, 


12 


13 


18. 


William Sargent, 


6 4 


11. 


Capt. Story, 


12 


13 


5. 


James Colby, 


5 18 


32. 


Capt. Stinson, 


12 


00 


13. 


William Caldwell, 


5 18 


27. 


Caleb Mills, 


11 


10 


14. 


Capt. Story, 


5 15 


14. 


llobert Holmes, 


11 


00 


12. 


John Burnham, 


5 15 


13. 


Lt. JMcColly, 


10 


19 


15. 


Amos Hadley, 


5 16 


10. 


John Jameson, 


11 


00 


9. 


Thomas Clement, 


5 15 


21. 


Asa Burnham, 


10 


18 


20. 


Lieut. J. Mills, 


3 12 


2. 


Thomas Clement, 


9 


18 


3. 


Wm. Smith, 


5 12 


31. 


Israel Clifford, 


9 


18 


8. 


Samuel Burnham, 


5 12 


4. 


Samuel Clement, 


9 


18 


16. 


Daniel Jameson, 


5 6 


15. 


Capt. Caldwell, 


10 


1 


10. 


James Clement, 


5 6 


16. 


James Clement, 


10 


] 


17. 


Daniel Story, 


5 6 


9. 


Samuel Burnham, 


10 


1 


7. 


Thomas Huse, 


5 3 


1. 


James Cunningham, 


10 


4 


19. 


Moses Trussel, 


4 16 


7. 


Thomas Huso, 


10 


3 


4. 


Capt. Burnham, 


4 3 


17. 


Alexander Jameson, 


10 


00 


G. 


Stephen Ordway, 


4 1 



Bond and Contract for Jju'ddmg the fleeting- House. 
Know all men by these Presents, That we, Archibald 
Stinson, yeoman, and William Tenney, gentleman, both of 
Dunbarton, in the county of Hillsborough and State of 
New-Hampshire, are holden and stand firmly bound and 
obliged unto David Story and William Stinson, gentle- 



160 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. ' 

men, and James Clement, yeoman, all of said Dnnbarton, 
in said State and county, a committee appointed by the 
inhabitants of Ihinbarton to see that a meeting-house in 
said town be built and finished according to tlie vote 
of said town, at a legal meeting held at said Dunbarton 
on the second day of June, one thousand seven liundred 
and eighty-nine, in the full and just sum of one thousand 
and fifty-four pounds, lawful money, to the which pay- 
ment, well and truly to be made, we, the said Archibald 
Stinson and William Tenney, acknowledge ourselves and 
our heirs and assigns to stand jointly and severally bound 
and ol)ligcd unto the said David iStory, William Stinson 
and James Clement, their heirs and assigns, in the capac- 
ity of a commitcc as aforesaid, in the above sum of one 
thousand and fifty-four i)ounds, lawful money. Sealed 
with (our) seals, and witnessed with our hands, this twen- 
ty-second day of June, Anno Domini 1789. 

The condltiovs of the above Ohligatkm, or Bond, are such, 
that wlicreas we, the said Archibald Stinson and William 
Tenney, this day have agreed to build a meeting-house in 
said Dunbarton, of tlie dimensions of fifty feet long and 
forty feet wide ; said house to stand whore the old meet- 
ing-house stands, or where the said committee shall stake 
out the ground where said house shall stand, and finish 
said house: Said house to be twenty-five feet posts, with a 
porch on the foreside of said liouse, of thirteen feet 
scjuare, with the posts twenty-two feet high, and in said 
house are to bo seventeen windows in the lower tier of 
windows, and twenty-eight scpuires of glass in each win- 
dow : one of whicli Avindows to be circular headed, back 
of the pulpit ; and twenty-one windows in the galleries 
and porch, of t^\•('nty-i()ur squares each — the glass 7 by 0. 

The outside of said house to be linished in Tuscan 
order, and good workmanship. Said house is to be un- 
derpinned with good hewn stones, equal to Capt. l>avid 
Story's liouse (the foreside and west end of said Story's 
house), with door-stones for steps to said liouse, hewn 
equal to the underpinning. 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 161 

The inside of said house to be finished in the same order, 
agreeably to the plan bj which the pews were sold. Said 
meeting-hcRise to be sealed pew-high, and plastered : the 
rest, both above and below, and under the beams and 
o-alleries, aeeordinsi: to rule. The outside of said house to 
be painted with a good stone color, and every pew well 
made, and the number of each pew to be numbered with 
handsome paint, agreeable to rule. 

Now the true intent and meaning of the above Obliga- 
tion is such, that if the above said Archibald Stinson and 
William Tenney, or either of them, their heirs or assigns, 
shall build and finish said meeting-house, and deliver said 
house to the said committee, with a good bill of sale of 
every pew, to the purchasers of said pew, at or before the 
first day of j^ovember, one thousand seven hundred and 
ninety, to the acceptance of said committee, then this bond, 
or obligation, to be null and void ; otherwise, if not, said 
bond to remain in full force and virtue. 

Archibald Stinson, [l. s.] 
William Tenney. [l. s.] 
Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of 

Timothy Ladd, 
John Mills. 
A true copy — attest: David Story, Town-Clerk. 



PROTEST OF major JOHN STINSON TO THE MEETING OF 1801. 

STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE. — HILLSBOROUGH SS. 

To David Story, 31odcrator of an Annual lleeUng held at 
Dunbarton on the thbxl day of JIaixh, Anno Domini eight- 
een hundred and one : Greeting : 
We, the subscribers, complain and say that said meet- 
ing is illegal, as a number of minors and others came 
forward and cast their votes for a representative for said 
town, who w^ere not legal voters. And therefore we hum- 
bly pray that said meeting may be reconsided, and that 
we may [liave] the liberty of a new choice of officers ; 



162 UISTORY OF DUNBAKTON. 

otherwise we object to said inuL'ting, luul the proceedings 
thereof. Joiix Stinson. 

Tlu' loregoini:' (U'li\-or(,'d to me, and re([uested to he put 
on rccoi-(L Danikl Jameson, Town-Chrk. 

We liave exainiiied tlie proceedings of the meeting 
above named, hut iind nothing cxphinatory in regard to 
the above protest. 



ACCIDENTAL DEATHS. 

The wife of Jolm ^lills was frozen to death, wliile pro- 
ceeding from Cai)t. Oliver I)aile3''8 house, over the hill, 
east of the place where Oliver Bailey, Jr., once dwelt. 
This ha[)iicncd many years ago. 

Mrs. Art'lielaus Oolby wandered from home while in- 
sane, and died in the woods. tShe was missing several 
months. Her Ijones were found by a hunter, in (Joifs- 
town. Her husband was drowned in Kindjall's ]>ond, 
while crossing on the ice. 

Mrs. Eleazer Butters was killed by being thrown from 
a horse, between Ooffstown and Dunbarton. 

James Rogers was shot by a hunter, luiving, on account 
of his bear-skin dress, been mistaken for a bear. 

Dr. Jeremiah P. Tenney, Leonard Parker, Stephen 
Stark, Ebenezer JUitler, (at Stark's mill-pond, June, 1821,) 
Parndee Holmes, a son of Paltiah Brown, Esq., drowned. 

Jerennah Stinson, in ISOD, died of injuries received by 
falling upon a pitch-fork ; Capt. Joseph Leach, being 
crushed by a cart-wheel; C.ol. Warren Story, by the kick 
of a liorse ; Mrs. Jcdm Page, by being thrown from a 
wagon. Ebenezer JJailey died of injuries received on the 
Lawrence Railroad; old Mr. Andros was injured by a 
cross cow, and died. ^Tr. Benjamin Perley, senior, was 
Imrncd in his house. Br. James Stark, son of the late 
Dr. S., of llo[)kinton, was, in 1847-8, found dead in Dun- 
barton woods, lie came to hunt, with only his dog for a 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 163 

companion. His liorso lie liad tied by tlie roadside, where 
it remained all niu;ht and part of the next day. He was 
not known by those who found him. His horse, how- 
ever, took a direction, when loosed and a driver was in 
the seat, towards liome. His death was probably caused 
by the accidental discharge of his own gun. His faithful 
dog was found watching his remains. He w^ent to the road 
occasionally, barked, and returned to the woods. He was 
found by two persons liunting for squirrels. It was an 
afflicting accident, and his untimely fate was deeply la- 
mented. The wife of Captain Oliver Bailey died in con- 
sequence of a fall down the cellar stairs. Mr. Clark Bai- 
ley, who had been for several years in a state of mental 
despondency, hanged himself. The wife of Darius M. 
Richards committed suicide by hanging herself in a barn, 
now the property of Capt. B. Whipple. 



DISAPPEARANCE OF m'CARTHY. 

During the severe winter of 1832-3, an Irishman, and 
temporary resident of this place, disappeared in a singu- 
lar manner. He left Concord, where he worked as a jour- 
nejmian tailor, for Dunbarton, wdiere his family dwelt with 
his father-in-law, Henry Hemphill. He started from Con- 
cord on foot, during a stormy afternoon, and was not again 
seen by any person, unless, perhaps, by his own family. 
In the course of the winter his children related at school, 
in the Page Corner district, that their father came home 
intoxicated, (not an uncommon occurrence) that a quarrel 
commenced, during which Hemphill stabbed him several 
times with a knife, and the blood ran out upon the iloor, 
where he fell ; that their grandfather and mother then 
dragged him down cellar, and they saw him no more. A 
portion of the old Page house, then occupied by the par- 
ties, had some time previously been removed, leaving the 
cellar uncovered. In the course of the Spring of 1833 
Hemphill filled the cellar with stones, which he covered 
with earth, where he planted cucumbers. During the 



104 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

winter of 1833-34 a rumor of the circimistanees appeared 
ill a Boston paper before many persons in the town knew 
that such a person as McCarthy existed. This notice 
caused much conversation npoii the suhjoct, and induced 
a scarcli of the premises, in Mhii-h }>r(>l)ahly more than 
one liun(h'cd and lifty })ersons assistech The liouse and 
cellar Avcre searched ; a well, partly tilled witli stones, 
cleared out, and the cellar which Hemjihill liad filled was 
also cleared of its contents. But no vesti^'e of human re- 
mains or clothing appeared. The search was continued for a 
whole day, ah.out the first of February, 1834, during which 
persons questioned tlie children. One little girl repeated 
the story told at school, and shew the jilace on the floor 
where, slie said, the ])lood had been, and tliat it was wash- 
ed away after the affair was over. This was while Hemp- 
hill was out of the room. ^Vhen lie returned she was 
desired to tell the story again, and sliow the place. She 
would not speak, but went to the place she had })reviously 
]iointed out, and danced n])on it. 

It was well known that the parties cpiarrelled often, and 
people had been called in to separate them several times 
when engaged in these fights. But being persons of not 
much consequence in the vicinity, they were not troubled 
greatly by the notice of the neighborhood. Hemphill 
had been in the Vermont State ])rison for stealing a horse 
or something else. Nothing, however, turned np during 
the search, to sustain the suspicions of foul play. 

The man's disa[)pearance, (he has not since been seen 
or heard of) the tales of the children, the character of the 
parties, the fact that the old man took from his i)ocket a 
quantity of silver change, to divert the little girl from giv- 
ing inforiiKition, \\hen told in his ]u\'sence to relate the 
storv, and shew the ]>lace* on the tloor when' the blood 
flowi'd. These circumstances are the only exiihination of 
the mystery we possess. 

*AV1k'I1 tlic littlo 5;irl stood ui.on tho place she had dcsignntccl. llcnip- 
hill, witli cliant;e in bis liand, said, "See licro, dear ; you know what 1 
ail) going tu give you, if you will be good." 



IIISTOIIY OF DUNBAllTON. 165 

March 17, 1854. Mr. Elijah Lyman Harris was acci- 
dentally drowned in the Ohio river, at Maysville, Ken- 
tucky The pavticuhirs are stated in another portion of 
this book. The foHowing extract from his journal nuiy 
])e interesting to his friends in tliis vicinity. The facts lie 
has stated are doubtless correct, and, with corroborative 
testimony from others present at the trial of the pirates, 
in Savannah, in 1819, exempt his conduct from censure 
during his compulsory and unfortunate intercourse with 
them in their brief and lawless cruise. 

extract from a JOURXAL kept by MR. E. L. HARRIS. 

" In the latter part of December, 1815, (then 17 years 
of age,) I went to live with "William Green, then a mer- 
chant of Orford, N. II. He sold out his stock, and in 
March following I returned to Dunbarton. In June, 1816, 
Mr. Green having commenced business at Sanbornton, I 
returned to his employment. The season was remarkably 
cold with a frost in all the summer months, in consequence 
of which corn and other crops came near a total failure. 
In March, 1817, I returned to Dunbarton, and in April 
went to live with Dea. Farwell, at Ilopkinton. Keturned 
home in August. Went to Londonderry in September, and 
studied navigation with Capt. Choate. Returned in Octo- 
ber. Same month went to Salem, Mass., where I resided 
with cousin I^athaniel Gerry. 

" Early in November I shipped on board ship Andrew 
Jackson, Edward Richardson master, bound for jSTew-Or- 
leans. Off the Bahama islands we were boarded by pi- 
rates from an armed schooner, who took from the vessel 
provisions, a coil of rigging and a spy-glass. Although 
we had several passengers, all of whom had considerable 
money, none of them were robbed, no private property 
was divSturbed, and no person suffered violence. 

" The Andrew Jackson was an English built vessel, and 
a dull sailer ; in consequence our passage occupied sixty- 
three days, arriving at New-Orleans about January 1, 1818. 
Dissatisfied with the ship I left her near the last of Feb- 



166 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

niar\ , and went ou Itoai'd the soliooner Two Brothers, 
Georije Kapplicl master, boiiiul lor IJoston. 

" AVe arrived at Edgartowii, Martlia's Vineyard, after 
a rong-li, stormy ])assage of twenty-seven days from the 
Bali/e. In April left theA^ineyard for Boston, hut when 
off the cape a thick N. E. snow-storm ohli<2:e(l us to put 
])ack. AVe got into the hreakers, and brought the vessel 
to anchor. At 4 P. M. k:)st the anchor. ]>rouglit to with 
the other anchor. oSText day tlie weather became clear, 
and we got into Holmes' Hole, Martha's Vineyard, where, 
after waiting a few days, we obtained a l)recze, and arriv- 
ed at Boston, after a lengthy passage of forty-tive days. 

"In April I shipped in the coasting trade, on board 

schooner , Ti-efethen master, and sailed for Lubee, 

to which port made two trips. On the tirst took a load 
of i)laster to Richmond, and on the second to Baltimore, 
where I left the vessel, and about the last of August went 
to the seamen's hospital, where, l)eing sick, I resided some 
time. In JSTovember I left the hospital and shipped on 
])oard schooner Harriet, Kerlie master, for Havana, and 
made a very good jiassage of eight days from Baltimore. 
I left the Harriet at Havana, and shi]»|ied to go to Key 
West, to cut wood. Sailed in schooner Francisco, Ives 
master. Key West is about one hundred miles from Ha- 
vana, but in conse(iucnce of a mistake of the jtilot we 
were twenty-five days in nmking the passage. Having 
arrived there, those who were shipped for the island were 
]tut on shore, and the vessel sailed ibr Havaiui. Mr. ( )bcd 
AVright and a Mr. Manson had charge of those who were 
attached to the island. Found at the island a Mr. Balmer, 
Mr. Fitz, and a man they had hired. These men were 
employed in getting sponges and catching turtle. Our 
crew, with the exception of Wright, Manson and ni3'self, 
were foreigners, not used to the business for which they 
were employed, and became so dissatisfied that all of them, 
with the exce})tion of Johnson, a Swede, took one of the 
boats and put to sea. They arrived at Havana, and re- 
turned the boat to the vessel. Some three weeks alter 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 167 

our vessel left she returned Avitli stores and two more men 
for the island — Owens, and Jeffreys, a free colored man ; 
a few days after which the schooner, taking a load of 
wood, sailed again for Havana. 

"A short time after the Francisco sailed, two small ves- 
sels, A\nth lateen sails, under Venezuelian colors, arrived. 
They were manned by twenty or twenty-five men each, 
were well armed with muskets, cutlasses and pistols. 
The vessels I think carried some small pieces of ordnance. 
They were not iDackward in letting us know who they 
were. They appeared well satisfied with their business, 
and confessed without reluctance that thej' were pirates. 

" jSText morning they left the harbor in chase of a brig. 
A short time after this the Franciso arrived, took in a load 
of wood and coal, and left for Havana. Owen went in 
her as a passenger, Mr. Manson having left here the last 
trip to Havana. 

" A few days after this the pirates returned, Init remain- 
ed only a few minutes, by reason of a vessel a|)})earing in 
the otRng, to which they gave chase. A few days after 
this the sloop Lawrence, Atwick master, arrived from 
Charleston. Atwick was a native of Maine. Chase, his 
mate, belonged to Dover, X. 11. In an indirect way the 
Lawrence, in connection with Atwick's conduct, became 
instrumental in my subsequent embarrassments with the 
pirates. 

" A short time after this Johnson, the Swede, was mur- 
dered by Wright. We were at this time employed in 
drawing coal from the coal-pit, and for a day or t^vo had 
not been constantly employed. In consequence of this 
indulgence Johnson had become hard to govern, from be- 
ing in a state of intoxication. Johnson was ordered to 
go to work, which he refused to do. Wright having be- 
come very angry, ordered him again to work, and he 
again refused. Wright then seized a stick, one inch and 
a half in diameter, with which he struck' Johnson several 
times over the head, and fractured his skull. This hap- 
pened in the afternoon, and Johnson did not complain 



168 IirSTOIlY OF DUNBARTOX. 

iniu'li of his injuries, but tlii'ouu'liout tlic lu'xt day appear- 
ed to be exercised with great jtaiu in the head. He expir- 
ed in the night, some thirty-six hours after having been 
thus unmercifully beaten by AVright. On the night the 
unfortunate rJolinson died, Wriglit lodged on l^oard the 
Lawrence. After the latter had I'cturned to the shore I 
reported to him the death of the ibrmer. Agreeably to 
Wright's order I went for Jelireys, who, with myself, pre- 
pared a grave, and we in presence of Wriglit saw John- 
son's remains committed to their final resting-place. 

"Shortly after these events the Francisco arrived, took 
in a load of wood and coal, and sailed again for Havana, 
with AVright as a passenger. When Ives left at this time 
he told Jeffreys and myself that he would return for us in 
six weeks, and take us off the island. I have never seen 
or heard from Wright since he left us. 

'■ Two or three weeks after the Francisco sailed, the 
buccaneers returned to our harbor, having, beside their 
two schooners, a Spanish sloop, with a number of slaves 
on board. The pirates stated that since they last left 
here they had visited Cuba, and rol>bed several planta- 
tions there, taking from them slaves and specie. A f^w 
hours after the arrival of the pirates they went on board 
the Lawrence, and treated Atwick very cruelly, thinking 
thereby to obtain considerable money from the vessel, as 
Furlong, one of Atwick's crew, had reported a large 
amount to be on Ijoard. The result i»f the search i)roved, 
to the satisfaction of the pirates, that Furlong nuule a ma- 
licious report against Atwick, and that there was not a 
dollar in money on board the Lawrence. After renuiin- 
ing in the liai'bor two days tlkc })irates left, and 1 have not 
seen or heard of them since. 

"A few days after these transactions, as JeflVeys and 
myself were short of jirovisions, and hearing that the 
Francisco would not return for some time to come, I ship- 
ped on l)oard the Lawrence, intending to go in a few days 
on a "wrecking voyage." In a few days afterward we 
sailed ibr Florida Keef, and when half way l)etween Key 



^' 



1 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTOX. 169 

West and Key Vaccas, we fell in with sloop Mary, of Mo- 
bile, Henry S. jSTeale, master. In consequence of falling in 
with this vessel avc put back to Key "West, where Ave an- 
chored in the evening. 

In the course of the afternoon w^e had ascertained to a 
certainty that we were once more among pirates ; also, that 
Furlong and Shelton, two of Atwick's crew, had joined 
them. ISText day took in water and sailed in company for 
Key Vaccas, where we arrived next morning. Brought 
the Lawrence to anchor, and ran the Mary ashore to clean 
her bottom. During several days all hands of both crews 
were employed in titting the Mary for sea. During this 
time the Mary's name was erased, and she was painted 
black. It was generally understood by this time that both 
crews were to be united, and attached to the pirate. I 
forgot to mention that Jeftreys had been enticed on board 
the pirate at Key West, and very much against his will, 

'' The pirate being prepared for the cruise, both crews 
were mustered onboard, the evening before sailing, where 
all of them weie sworn and made to sign an agreement. 
Kext morning we sailed, leaving Atwick on board the 
Lawrence as ship-keeper. Our crew consisted of iN'eal, 
Miller, Johnson, Smith, and a colored cook — 5: the 
original crew^ Chase, Reed, Shelton, Furlong and my- 
self, of Atw^ick's crew — 5, and JeiFrey from Key West. 
Whole crew, 11. We sailed, as nearly as I recollect, 
from Key West on the 25th of June, 1819. 

On the second day spoke a large schooner from Mobile, 
bound to Xevv-York. l^eal purchased of the master a 
very line boat, and we set ours, an old one, afloat. In 
the afternoon of this day fell in with the ship Rising- 
States, from ISTew-Orleans, bound for Holland. From 
this vessel took some provisions, and suffered her to pro- 
ceed on her voyage. 

" Third day at sea, June 27, at meridian, saw a sail 

ahead. At 1 P. M., it being calm, sent off the boat, 

which took possession of her at 4 P. M., our vessel being 

three miles astern. A breeze springing up, however, 

12 



170 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

soon brought us up with the captured vessel. Xeal 
hailed, aud learned that she was recently from Cuba, 
bound to Cowes. She proved to be the brit^ Ann, of 
Scarborough, England, Thomas Sanley master. She was 
deeply laden with sugar and coffee. 

" During the afternoon captain Sanley was sent on 
board the pirate with his papers, and, after the}^ were 
examined, returned to the brig. Four of the brig's crew, 
in the afternoon, were brought and detained on board the 
pirate. Neal had an interview with them, in the cal)in of 
the pirate, and informed them what was to be done on 
board the brig. 

"After dusk, Sanley, his mate, and three of the brig's 
crew were killed and thrown overboard by Miller, John- 
son, Furlong, Smith and Slielton. "While the pirates 
were killing the brig's crew, a boy hid himself among 
the cargo. He was soon found after the decks liad been 
cleared of the dead bodies. His life was spared, and also 
those of four of the brig's crew. Thomas ISTewton, San- 
ley's nephew, three others of the crew and the boy 
were released. Five were massacred and tivc Averc spared. 

"At the time the brig's crow were killed Ave were in 
the Gulf of Florida, ninet}' miles from land. After these 
transactions we shaped our course W. by oST., steering for 
the nearest land of East Florida. Xoxt morning we saw 
the land, and coasted through the day south-westerly, and 
at sunset ran the brig on shore. The sloop Avas brought 
alongside the brig, and most of the crcAv Averc employed 
throughout the night in loading the sloop Avith coffee. 
Xext day finished loading the sloop, and sent a boat's 
crcAv to inform AtAvick of the result of the cruise ; sent 
two of the brig's crcAA', and Chase, Eeed, Shelton and 
Johnson — six in all. 

"Xext day Xeal sailed Avith the slooji, taking Avith him 
Miller, the cook of the A'essel, and the boy aboA'e referred 
to. Furlong ami Smith Avere left in cViarge of affiiirs on 
board the brig, Avith Thomas XcAA-fon, another of the 
brig's crcAv, Jeffi-ey, and myself — six in number. Some 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 171 

ton days after Neal left us, we discovered a sail running 
along shore, standing southward. She was hrought to an 
anchor, by the orders of Furlong and Smith, and proved 
to he the schooner Francisco, Capt. Ives, last from St. 
Augustine, now hound to Havana, intending to call at 
Key West to take from thence Jeffreys and myself. Ives 
brought his vessel alongside the brig, discharged into the 
sea a considerable portion of his cargo of salt and flour 
from her, and took on board coffee. A gentleman on 
board the Francisco was robbed of several hundred dol- 
lars, of which Furlong and Smith took charge. When 
the Francisco was loaded, Jeffreys and myself, having 
liberty to leave, went on board the schooner and left tlie 
brig. 

" The same night anchored fifteen miles south of the 
brig. This afternoon we saw Atwick's vessel bound for 
the brig. We had on board two deserters, who, with 
myself, left the vessel, went on shore, and resided for a 
time at the camp belonging to other deserters. Having 
remained there ten days, in the middle of July we left 
for the brig. Our party consisted of six individuals, four 
of whom were deserters from the army. Having arrived 
opposite the brig, we found rolling in the surf a boat and 
several oars on the beach — cleared the boat and went on 
board — no person was found on board — but two thirds 
of her cargo still remained. The same evening sent two 
men to Cape Florida for a wrecking vessel. 

"Next morning I left for St. Augustine, distant 250 
miles. Late in the morning of the third day after leav- 
ing, I arrived at a river some 70 or 80 miles from the 
vessel, where, not finding either boat or canoe, I com- 
menced my journey back. 

"In the evening of the third day I arrived at the brig, 
and found there five Seminole Indians — three men, one 
woman and a child — friendly Indians — learned from 
our people that those who went for a w^recker succeeded 
in procuring an American vessel, which next morning 
arrived. She was the sloop, " Sailors' Rights," of Savan- 



172 HISTORY OF DUXBARTON. 

mil), Levi James master. She was hrougbt alongside of 
tlie brig and loaded with cotfee, after wliicli we endeav- 
ored to lig'liten the vessel, so as to get licr afloat ; and sent 
on sliore several liogsheads of eoffee and liove overboard 
boxes of sugar. The vessel i-emaincd with us until 
appearances indicated a gale of wind, when, for the safety 
of the wrecker, she sailed earl}^ in the morning for Savan- 
nah, leaving on board tlie brig several of the crew, besides 
the deserters and myself. 

'• When the " Sailors' Rights" left us, Capt. James said, 
should it become necessary, we must cut away the masts, 
and at 11 A. M., the vessel laboring in a heavy sea-way, 
we cut away both masts. In the afternoon the vessel 
stove a hole in her bottom, and in the iirst part of the 
niglit we ^vcre <lriven before the sea upon the beach. 
Xext morning the weather had become calm, and at low 
water ^yq left the vessel, and made from her sails a camp 
on shore, in which we lived. At low water we could go 
aboard at the bows without wetting our feet, M'hile at the 
stern the water was live or six feet deep. 

" Before the vessel gained the shore she was nearly 
half filled with water, which at the stern continued at 
that depth. One half the cargo was destroyed. 

" Some tw^o or three weeks after C-apt. James left us, 
a small schooner, which had been chartered for the pur- 
pose, arrived and took a load with which she sailed for 
Savannah. Soon afterwards the " Sailors' liights," James, 
master, ai-rived, took in the remainder of the brig's cargo, 
all the iron, copper, &c., that could be collected, burnt her 
to the water's edge, and sailed for Savannah. The desert- 
ers and myself took passage on board of her. The 
deserters were returned to the army, and I was committed 
to Savannah jail. Tliis happened about September 7, 
1819. 

"Before this, {''iii'long, Smith, and one of the brig's 
crew, had been ap[)rehcnded at Savannah, and those who 
were witli Atwick had been taken at Charleston. Smith 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON, 173 

died in prison before trial. Furlong was tried in Decem- 
ber, and found guilty.* 

" I was honorably discharged fi-om prison towards the 
latter part of December, 1819, having been a prisoner 
three months and nineteen days. I was allowed ^1.25 
per day as State evidence,^and received for the clieck, 
from Hon. I. H. Morel at the bank, |136. 

" Some time in February, 1820, I went to Augusta, 
wliere for a time I was employed by the steamboat com- 
pany. From thence I went to Columbia, S. C, near 
which I was employed on the west side of the Congaree 
river, upon the Charleston turnpike. I left this place for 
Charleston, thence for Savannali on board a coaster. 
From the latter place shipped on board the brig Alba, 
Capt. Smith, for Salem, where we arrived about the mid- 
dle of July. I forgot to mention that Furlong was 
hung at Savannah a few weeks before my return 
thither. From Salem I proceeded to Boston, where, 
having worked along shore a short time, I walked to 
Dunbarton, having been absent two years and nine 
months. I reached home in August, and in September 
went to Pembroke, wdiere I attended the academy two 
months, under the instruction of Mr. Vosef an ex]:)e- 
rienced teacher." 

Mr. Harris was more than two months under the age 
of twenty-one, when he returned home after the adven- 
tures herein before recorded. 

* A relative of tlie writer, Mr. John McKinstrj^, formerly a merchant 
at Boston, who well knew the Rev. "Walter Harris and his family, being 
fortunately at this time at Savannah, was, on reference to him beinsj made 
by Mr. E. L. Harris, summoned to court. He testified that the father of 
Mr. Harris was a highly respectable clergyman at Dunbarton, N. H., as 
his son had declared. This testimony, his youth, with other circumstances 
tending to corroborate the truth of his statements, induced tlie court to 
admit him as a State witness; and upon his testimony principally, the 
pirates were convicted. 

We received the above account from Mr. McKinstry, on his i-cturii 
from Savannah. 

I Hon. John Vose, the well known preceptor of Atkinson and Pembroke 
academies. 



ODn^TDFAL XOTICES. 



AKCHIBALD STARK. 

Archibald Stark, altlion<;li never a periuancnt iiiLabit- 
aiit of Diiubartou, was the first apjtlieaiit for the grants 
of that townshiii, of which lie was a large pro[»rietor, and 
which for fourteen years bore his name. 

He was l)orn at Ghisgow, Scotland, in 1(397, and received 
his education at the university in that citv'. At an early 
age he removed with his father and family to London- 
derry, Ireland, where he married Eleanor Xichols, the 
daughter of a Scottish emigrant. 

In 1720 he embarked with a company of adventurers 
for Xew-IIampshire, wliither a consideralde party of his 
countrymen had pi-eviously i)r()ceeded to form a settle- 
ment. 

After a tedious voyage, during Avhich all his children 
died, the emigrants arrived at Boston, late in autumn. 
As many of them were ill with the small-pox, they were 
not permitted to land, and were in consequence compelled 
to depart for the wilds of Maine. At a place called 
Sheepscot, near the site of the present town of Wiscasset, 
they endured their first trial of the horrors of a northern 
A\iiiti'r ill the forests of New-England. 

In the course of the year folloAving, after encountering 
and enduring many severe hardships and privations, they 
joined their Scottish friends at Xuttield (now Londonderry, 
X. TL), then a wilderness, rendered hideous by the fre- 
fpient incursions of hostile savages, who at that period, 
and for many succeeding years, harassed the frontiers. 
His house in Londonderry having been burned in 1736, 
he, in consequence, removed to that portion of land on 
Merrimack river then known as Ilarrytown, and settled 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 175 

upon a lot wliicli luid been granted to Samuel Tliaxter by 
the government of Massachusetts, a short distance above 
the falls of Amoskeag. 

Thither several of his friends soon afterward followed 
him, and the new location received the name of Derrj- 
field. Several sons and daughters were born to him after 
his arrival in America, to whom, at his fireside, he gave 
the best instruction which his own acquirements and the 
circumstances of the times would permit. "His educa- 
tion fitted him for the walks of civil life; yet," says the 
historian of Manchester, " we find him a volunteer for 
the protection of the frontier against the ravages of the 
Indians in 1745 ; and for the protection of the people 
in his immediate vicinity, a fort was built at the outlet of 
Swager's, or Fort brook, which, in compliment to his 
enterprise in erecting and garrisoning the same, was 
called Stark's Fort. 

Ilis sons were William, Samuel, John and Archibald, 
who all held commissions in the British service during 
the "Seven Years' "War," and were distinguished for 
good conduct, coolness and courage. 

A stone in the old burial ground at Manchester bears 
this inscription : 

" Here Lyes The Body of Mr. 
ARCHIBALD STARK. HE 

Departed this hfe June 25th, 
1758, x'^ged 61 Years." 

Colonel William Stark, eldest son of the foregoing, 
was born at Londonderry, April 1st, 1724, ( Old Style). 
He was among those to whom the proprietors first granted 
lands in this town, in the early afiairs of which he was an 
active and prominent agent. He had acquired a good 
education for the times, was a fair' penman, and a prompt 
man of business. The meetings of the proprietors and 
of the town were, for several years prior to the erection 
of the first meeting-house, held at his house. 

He was a man of plausible address, possessing a chiv- 
alrous spirit and undaunted courage. He was distin- 



17C HISTORY OF DUNBAKTON. 

guislicd as a captain of rangers on the northern frontier ; 
was with Amliorst at the capture of Louis] )urgh, and 
fought under the vietorious hanners of AVolfe on the 
lieiglits of Ahraham. At tlie coniineneeinent of the 
Rcvokition, his inclination was favorable to the popular 
cause. The cannonade of Juiu' 17, ITTo, at Bunker Hill, 
the day being fair and the wind favorable, was distiiu-tly 
lieard at his house on the high lands of Dunharton, 
although at the distance of seventy miles. In consequence 
he mounted his horse and rode with all speed toward 
Charlestown, but did not reach the American cam}) until 
after the action. 

lie applied to the State (V^uncil of New-Hampshire for 
the command of a regiment, to which his previous services 
and military experience amply justitied liis claim. ITad 
he obtained tin' ai)i»()iiitment he would doubtless have 
proved true to the cause, and rendered important service, 
for, as a soldier, his talents and courage were unquestion- 
able. For reasons best known to themselves, the Council 
assigned the command to another. 

Stark, indignant at what he considered an unjust and 
insulting neglect, accepted overtures IVom the enemy, 
repaired to Xew-York in ITTt!, and became a colonel in 
the Britisli ser\-ice. He was soon afterward killed by a 
fall from his luu'se. His son ffohn served as adjutant of 
the first continental regiment of the Xew-Hanq>shii\' line, 
and died of snndl-pox at CHiimney J\nnt, on J^ake Cliain- 
plain, in lT7(i, in the eighteenth year of his age. 

Family Bcnord.—WWWiww Stark, b. April 1, 17:24 (Old 
Style ) ; Mary Stinson, b. ^farch 3, 1784, married Febru- 
ary 22, 1754,'^(X. S.) Children: AVilliam, b. vVugust 27, 
1756 ; John, b. November 1, 1758 ; Archibald, b. Novem- 
ber 7, 1700 ; Mary, 1). 7Vugust 19, 1702 ; Stephen, b. 
September 27, 1704: Thonnis, b. -lanuary 25, 1707; 
James, b. March 22, 1773. 

Mary, the wife of AVilliam Stark, senior, died October 
15, 1817, aged 82. AVc ha\e in possession a i)owder- 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 177 

liorn, thus inscribed: "William Stark, his horn. Sanely 
Hook, 1757, or 1759," the last figure being indistinct. 
It is a well made article, with a metallic mouth-piece, 
ornamented with sundry devices, and was the work of 
Captain William Stark, who commanded a corps of 
rangers in Lord Loudoun's eastern expedition, in 1757, 
who, in the same capacity, attended that of General 
Amherst against Loiiisburg, and that of General Wolfe 
against Quebec, in 1759. 

In each of these campaigns the forces which sailed 
from IvTew-York were detained a short time at Sandy 
Hook. Therefore, whether the horn was made in 1757 
or 1759, the fact appears more than probable that the 
owner had it slung l)y his side in the memorable battle 
on the heights of Abraham, September 13, 1759, which 
decided the fate of Canada, and crow^ned with laurels 
many of IS'ew-England's gallant sons ; although the con- 
quest was purchased by the life-blood of the amiable and 
heroic Wolfe. 

In connection with his lofty name, we copy a passage 
from the memoir of the celebrated John Robinson, in the 
Edinburgh Encyclopedia : 

"An anecdote which Mr. Robinson used to tell," says 
Mr. Playfair, " deserves well to be mentioned. He hap- 
pened to be on duty in the boat in which General Wolfe 
went to visit some of their posts, the night before the 
battle which was expected to decide the fate of the cam- 
paign. The evening was fine, and the scene, considering 
the work we were engaged in, and the morning to which 
we were looking forward, sufiiciently impressive. 

" As they rowed along, the General, with much feeling, 
repeated nearly the whole of Gray's Elegy ( which had 
appeared not long before, and w^as yet but little known, 
to an ofiScer who sat Avitli him in the stern of the boat), 
adding, as he concluded, that he " would ■prefer being the 
author of that poem, to the glory of beating the French 
to-morrow." 

" To-morrow came, and the life of that illustrious sol- 



178 HISTORY OF DUNBARTOX. 

dier was terniiuatod amid the tears of Lis friends and tlie 
shouts of liis victorious army. The body of General 
"Wolfe Avas brou<:;ht to Eni;-huul in the lioyal William, 
and landed at iSpithead on the 18th of November." 

Archibald Stark, youngest 1)rotherof Colonel William 
Stark, and of General John Stark, was a lieutenant in 
the rang-er corps, and among the first grantees of this 
town. He died at Tlopkinton, at the age of 90. His son 
James was a skillful physician and surgeon, and settled 
at Hopkinton. In 1813 he was appointed a surgeon in 
the United States Army. He died at Hopkinton in 
1827-8. 

Lieutenant Samuel Stark, brother of Arcliibald, above 
named, settled in Conway, IST. H., where his descendants 
are ])ors()ns of property and respectability. 

All the sons of Archibald Stark, senior, received from 
the British crown extensive grants of land in the vicinity 
of Conway, as a reward for their distinguished services 
in the " Seven Years' War." 

Captain Jonathan Stark, of Conway, son of Samuel, 
was an ofHcer of the IT. S. Army dui-ing the war of 1812. 

Major Robert Rogers. This justly celebrated com- 
mamler, so well known in the campaigns of the " Seven 
Years' War" in America,, was the son of James Rogers, 
and horn at Londonderry in 1727. He was probably four- 
teen or fifteen years of age when his fjither established his 
al)ode in the woods of Dunbarton, He dwelt there with 
him, except when engaged in distant hunting expeditions, 
until his death, or until the year 1755, when liis well 
known prowess as a hunter, his knowledge of the Indian 
character, as also of their modes of warfare, and his dai-ing 
resolution, recommended him as a suitable ])ei'son to com- 
mand a corps of rangers. His services rendered in that 
capacity justified the confidence of the government. In 
person he was above the common stature, and as remark- 
able for personal strength and activity as for courage and 
decision. 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 179 

He went to England after the peace of 1763, and while 
traveling in a mail-coacli over Hounslow Ileatli, the coach 
was stopped hy a highwa3'man, who presented a pistol at 
the window, and demanded the passengers' money. The 
Major opened his cloak, as if ahont to comply, and the 
robber lowered his pistol. That instant, the vigorous 
hand of the hardy American seized him by the collar, 
and by main strength drew him from his horse through 
the window of the coach, and made him prisoner, and 
ordered the terrified coachman to dri^'e on. He proved 
to be a celebrated otfender, for whose head a reward of 
£40 sterling had been offered. The Major delivered him 
to the authorities and received the bounty. 

One other anecdote is related of him while in England. 
He was once in company with a party of British officers at 
a convivial meeting, where it was agreed that the person 
who should tell the greatest lie, or the most improbable 
story, should have his bill paid by the company. After 
all the others had told their stories, Rogers was called 
upon. He stated " that he was born in the province of 
New-Hampshire — that when a boy, he made birch or 
hazel brooms, which he carried on his back, through the 
woods, to Concord, (the nearest settlement, ten miles 
distant) and disposed of them — that his father was shot 
dead by a hunter, being mistaken for a bear — that his 
mother was tracked several miles by a hunter, who mis- 
took the track in the snow for that of a wolf." It was 
decided that the Major had told the greatest lie, when in 
fact he had told the truth. 

Rogers returned to America in 1775. He visited 
Cambridge and Medford, then occupied by the Conti- 
nental troops. He applied for permission to visit the 
camp, which Washington refused. Colonel Stark, who 
had been his second in command in the Seven Years' War, 
with others of his old companions in arms, visited him at 
Medford. He soon after joined Sir William Howe, but 
in a short time returned to England, and never again 
visited America. 



180 iriSTORY OF DUNBAIITON. 

Goiicral >Stark, who had been for years the companion 
and tVIond of Rogers, gave him full credit for his courage, 
and was of o])inion that lie wouhl have proved a true 
man to his native country, had not suspicions been pre- 
maturely entertained of his designs. He was denounced 
as a tory before he had avowed his principles. "Washington 
considered him as a British agent, and as snch prohibited 
his entering the cam}), liogers owned an estate in Con- 
cord, K n. lie left his wife in this country, and the 
estate remained in the possession of his family until 
al)out 1883, when it became the property of Ex-Governor 
Hill. A more particular account of j\Iajor Rogers and 
his services may be found in a work lately published, 
entitled "A Memoir of General Stark," &c. A lot of 
land was set apart for him by the proprietors of Dunbar- 
ton, as the eldest son of James Rogers. Another was giv- 
en b}^ them to the eldest son of Joseph Putney ( being lot 
ISTo. 8, in the fifth range, and lot No. 8, in the sixth range.) 

The wife of ISIajor Rogers was a Miss Browne of 
l*ortsmouth. He was appointed a colonel in the British 
service, and raised a corjis known as tlie queen's rangers, 
with wliicli he was for a time a scourge to the country in 
the vicinity of Long Island Sound. He was proscribed 
by the X. H. Legislature in 1778. His wife was divorced 
by an act of the Legislature. A\1icn and where he died 
is unknown to the writer. 

Anecdote of liogers. — AVhile in garrison at Fort Edward, 
in the winter of 1757-8, two British ofiicers, half seas over, 
or sufficiently so to be very aflcctioiiate and patriotic, 
were one evening lamenting the misfortunes of their 
country, occasioned by her enormous debt. Rogers com- 
ing in, and learning the cause of tlicir trouble, told tliom 
to give themselves no more uneasiness about the matter, 
as he would pay half of the debt, and a friend of his the 
remainder, and thus clear the nation at once of her diffi- 
culties. The officers treated the captain, and i)ronounced 
him the nation's benefactor. Hence tlie saying, " To pay 
one's debts, as Rogers did that of the luition." 



HISTORY OP DUNBARTON. 181 

CAPTAIN CALEB PAGE. 

Caleb Page, who may be considered as a principal 
character among the forefathers of the town, was born in 
the year 1705. He, with other individuals, from Ilamp- 
stead, Haverhill, and their vicinity, were among the early 
settlers of Derrylield. He was one of the grantees of 
Starkstown, and was in the charter of incorporation, in 
1765, named as the person authorized to call the first 
meeting of the inhabitants, under that instrument. He 
w^as a large proprietor in the new township, in the nortli- 
ern part of which, upon lot Xo. 18, in the third range, a 
fort w^as erected, and his permanent residence established. 

The locality still bears the name of "Page Corner," 
and the road leading to it from the east is called the 
"Page road." This road now (1860) contains many well 
built and tastily arranged dwelling-houses, and exhibits a 
more ostensible claim to the title of "the city," than it 
did w^hen thus termed in former days. The house of 
Captain Page and that of Israel Clifibrd were the first 
frame buildings erected in that vicinity. 

Captain Page was one of the most efficient cooperators 
in advancing the progress of the settlement. At the pro- 
prietors' meetings he acted frequently as moderator, as 
general agent, chairman of the most important commit- 
tees, and for several years as proprietors' clerk.* 

In 1753 Captain Page was, with Col. Zacheus Lovewell 
and Major John Talford, appointed by the General Court 
of iSTew-Hampshire, commissioners "to survey and make 
(or mark) a road to Coos," in wdiich service he acted as 
surveyor as well as commissioner. The following account 
for the performance of their duties upon this expedition 
was presented by the commissioners to the General Court 
of the Province : 

* The notice dated March 27, 1751, calling the proprietors' first general 
meeting at Londonderry, held on tlie 8th of April, 1751, was signed by 
Alexander McMurphy, who had been appointed by a committee consist- 
ing of Archibald Stark. Hugh llamsay, and John Hogg. Mr. McMur- 
phy was succeeded, as proprietors' clerk, by Caleb Page, senior. His son, 
Jeremiah Page, was third proprietors' clerk, and made his last record, in 
that capacity, of their meeting which was dissolved on the second Tues- 
day of September, 1802. 



182 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 



March, 1753. Messrs. Zacheus Lovewell, Joliii Talford 
and Caleb Page charge j^ Province of New-IIampshire, 
debtor for tlieniselves and men, here named, hired to sur- 
vey and make the road to Coos, in March current : 

£. s. d. 
Zaclieus Lovewell, 22 days, @ 

John Talford, 22 days, 
Caleb Page, 22 days, 
Nathaniel Smith, 19^ days, 
John Emery, 19J days, 
Iveubcn Kimball, 19| days, 
Benjamin Larkin, 19J days, 
Enoch Webster, 19-i- days, 
Ebenezer Copj), 19^ days, 
Jonathan J3urbank,* 19J days 
John Johnson, 19^ days, 
Benjamin Eastman, 19^ days, 
Peter Bowcn, 19| days, 
JSTathaniel Ingalls, 22 days, 
Robert Rogers, 19| days, 
John Combs, 22 days, 
John McCluer, 22 days, 
John Stark, (pilot) 21 days, 
Abraham l?errv, 22 days, 
Caleb Page, surveyor, 22 days, 
Zacheus Lovewell, John Talford, Caleb Page, 

ea(;h one daj^'s attendance to appoint the day 

and i)repare for y'' march, 
Caleb Page, journey to Rumford, to hire men, 

four days. 



35 5. 


38 


10 


35 


38 


10 


35 


38 


10 


30 


29 


5 


30 


29 


5 


30 


29 


5 


30 


29 


5 


30 


29 


5 


30 


29 


5 


30 


29 


5 


30 


29 


5 


30 


29 


5 


30 


29 


5 


30 


33 





30 


29 


5 


30 


33 





30 


33 





35 


36 


15 


30 


33 





GO 


m 






o 

7 
084" 



Old tenor, 
Zacheus Lovewell, ^ 

> Committee. 



5 


5~0 



John Talford, 
Caleb Page, 
Dated March 81, 1763. 

See files in the office of Secretary of State. 

* Jonathan Uurbank, liobert Kogcrs and John Stark wore officers in 
the corps of Royal American Kangers. Capt. Burbank was killed in a 
Bkirmish in 1750. 



HISTORY OP DUNBARTON. 183 

In 1758 Caleb Page was appointed by Governor Went- 
worth a Captain of Provincials, The following commis- 
sion describes the extent of his command : 

[l. s.] province or new-iiampsiiire. 

Benning Wentwortii, Esq., Captain- General and Gocernor- 
in- Chief in and over His Majesty s Province of Neio- Hamp- 
shire, in New-England, ^c. : 

To Caleb Page, Gentleman, Greeting : 

By virtue of the power and authority in and by His 
Majesty's Royal Commission to me granted, to be Captain 
General, &c., over this. His Majesty's Province of New'- 
Hampshire, aforesaid, I do ( by these presents,) reposing 
especial trust and confidence in your loyalty, courage and 
good conduct, constitute and appoint you, the said Caleb 
Page, to be Captain of the foot compau}' in Starkstown 
( so-called), in Hopkinton ( so-called), in Gofi'stown ( so- 
called), and in Halestown (so-called), in Colonel Zaeheus 
Lovew'ell's Pegiment. 

You arc, therefore, carefully and diligently to discharge 
the duty of a Captain, in leading, ordering and exercising 
said company in arms, both inferior officers and soldiers ; 
and to keep them in good order and discipline, hereby com- 
manding them to obey you as their captain ; and yourself 
to observe and follow such orders and instructions as you 
shall from time to time receive from me, or the Com- 
mander-in-Chief for the time being, or other your superior 
officers for His Majesty's service, according to military 
rules and discipline, pursuant to the trust reposed in you. 
Given under my hand and seal at arms, at Portsmouth, 
the thirtieth day of Maj, in the thirty-first year of the 
reign of His Majesty King George the Second, Anno 
Domini 1758. B. W. Wentwortii. 

By his Excellency's command, 

Theodore Atkinson, Sec'f/. 

Captain Page possessed a noble and benevolent spirit, 
with ample means to carry out his generous intentions. His 



184 HISTORY UF DlXBAllTOX. 

bank, wliicli containt'd ]iis treasure of golden guineas, sil- 
ver crowns and dollars, ^vas a half hnshel measure constant- 
ly kept nnder his bed — a far more secure place of deposit 
than many modern offices of discount have proved to he. 
One of his guineas was, some thirty-tive years ago, turned 
up ill his field 1)y the ])longh. His grandson, C^aleb 
Stark, rememhered being with him near the place where 
the coin was found, when a ])erson who had pnrchased a 
cow paid for it in the iield ; that a guinea was part of the 
purchase money paid, and that Captain Page, missing the 
piece after his return home, supposed the man had smug- 
gled the guinea 1>ack to his own pocket. The coin is still 
in possession of the family. 

His house Avas the abode of hospitality, and the scene 
of many a joyous festival, in the " olden time," where 
good cheer was supplied in l)ounteous profusion. There, 
at all times, the traveler, although a sti'anger, found 
welcome, refreshment and repose. One of his adventures 
was as follows : Having a quantity of fresh beef to dis- 
pose of, he conveyed it to jSTewburyport for a market, and 
there, tinding a vessel about sailing for Louisburgh, then 
in [lossession of the English, he took passage with his 
stores for that fortress. A contractor of the British fleet 
eagerly purchased his supplies at high i)rices, but delayed 
pavment. Ascertaining that the fleet was under "sailing 
orders "" for the next day. Captain Page went on board 
the flag-ship and stated his case to the Admiral. The 
latter, a good-humored, prom})t, and justly deciding son 
of Neptune, ordered the contractor to ai)i)ear l)cfore him. 
Upon his appearance the Admiral said to him : '' Do you 
owe this man ( so much), sir?" naming the amount. He 
answered afHrmatively. " Then pay him, or you swing 
at the yard-arm." The amount was instantly paid, and 
Capt. Page returned home with the proceeds of a profit- 
able venture. 

In his time black slaves were possessed by every opu- 
lent family. He owned several of either sex, whose con- 
dition, his own. and the ])cnovolence of each of his wives 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTOK. 185 

(lie was twice inarriefl,) rendered comfortable in every 
respect. They wci-e l)y tliclr scryants lionored and reyered 
ratlier as indulgent parents than as master and mistress. 
He was a firm patriot, and was in 1775 elected a dele- 
gate to the Proyincial Congress, the first from this town. 
Toward the close of his life he attended the funeral of 
a friend at the meeting-house burial-ground in the Spring. 
Water had risen in the grave, as is generally the ease 
there at that season. When he returned home he de- 
clared that "he would not be drowned after death," and 
on the next day purchased a small burial lot of Soloman 
Heath, in the adjacent town of Bow, on the Concord 
road, where, after his death, his remains were laid at rest 
in July, 1785, at the age of 80 years. 

The Rey. AYilliam Fessenden and Rev. William 
Pickels, the latter an Episcopal clergyman, who were his 
particular friends, frequently tarried with him as guests, 
and assisted in the education of his family. 

His family consisted of two sons and two daughters. 
His eldest son, Caleb Page, Jr., was an ensign of Rangers, 
and fell in the bloody contest between Ticonderoga and 
Crown Point, January 21, 1757. His second sou, Jere- 
miah, was a well educated man of business. He was an 
expert surveyor, and laid out most of the early towTi and 
many other roads. He was man}' years representative, 
justice of the peace, and also judge of the court of com- 
mon pleas for Hillsborough county.* He died November 
29, 1807. 

Of Capt. Page's daughters, the eldest, Elizabeth, was 
the ^^dfe of Gen. Stark, and Mary, tlie" youngest, the 
wife of James Russell, of Bow. A stone, near GTen. 
Stark's monument at Manchester, is thus inscribed: " In 
memory of Mrs. Elizabeth Stark, who died June 29, 1814, 
in the 77th year of h-er age." 

■■'" The judges of Hillsborough county in 1796 were: "Hon. James 
Underwood, 1st Justice. Francis Blood, Esq., Temple ; .Jeremiah Page, 
Esq., Dunbarton ; fEbenezcr Webster, Esq., Salisbury, .Justices. Moses 
Kelley, Goflstown, Sherift"; Kobert Fletcher, Esq., Clerk."' ^ 

f Ebeuezer Webster was fatlier of the Hon. Daniel Webster. 

13 



186 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON, 

Ilis valuable estate wan divided l)etvveeii lii.s surviving 
children, and UIh grandsons, Caleb Stark and Caiel) Page. 
The fornier had been adopted and brouglit uj) bj him 
from infanc'v. lie resided with him from the time of his 
birth, until two hours before daylight on tlie 10th of 
June, 1775, when, without the knowledge of the family, 
he was armed, on horseback, and on the way to the camp 
at !Mcdford, where he arrived at night. On the 17th of 
June he })erf()rmod his devoir in arms, in the action of 
Breed's llill, called that of Bunker's Hill, although the 
hitter eiuinence is one mile north of the scene of conflict. 

()f the sons of Judge Page, Caleb, the third of the 
name in this ]>lace, lived and died upon the homestead 
of liis grandfather, at Page C^orner. His brothers, John 
and Jeremiah, resided upon the divided estate of their 
father. The farm of the latter is now owned by his son, 
Ebenezer, who is a respectable citizen, and has tilled the 
offices of selectman and representative. That of John 
Page is owned by his grand-nepliew, John P. Tenney, 
who is also grandson of the llev. Walter Harris. Caleb 
Page, fourth of the name, grandson of Capt. Page, settled 
upon the lot once occupied by Archibald Stark, Jr., (lot 

14, n. 8 ). He was an industrious farmer and peaceable 
citizen. lie was treasurer and selectman, and on his 
retirement from public duties received a vote of thanks 
for faithful service. He died September 17, 1840, aged 03. 

Ilis brothers were Peter Carleton, and John, both 
worthy men. Peter C. died after a short illness, October 

15, 1858, aged 75. John resides in Ilopkinton. 

Familif Record. — Caleb Page, son of Jeremiah Page, 
senior, was Ixjrn April 10, 175o, The chihb-en of hiniself 
and wife Hannah, were : Sarah, 1). April 18, 1770 ; Hannah, 
b. February 3, 1778; Caleb, b. June 23, 1780; Peter C, 
i». July 1, 1783; Betsey, b. Xovember 2, 1780; Nancy, 
b. November 30, 1789; John, b. February 28, 1783. 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 187 

Items copied from a Map of the Toivn drawn in 1803, copied 
and improved from the original plan, prepared at Portsmouth 
in 1749. 

On lot No. 8, range 6, is tlie stump of an apple-tree, 
planted prior to 1746. On lot 13, range 2, is to be seen 
the cellar of Samuel Stinson's house, and near it the 
remains of a sAveet apple-tree, planted by him as first 
settler upon the lot. On lot 18, range 2, stood a pine of 
seven feet diameter, and also Page Fort. An elm and 
oak on lot 17, range 3, were seven feet in c][iameter; 
as also an oak on lot 10, range 3. On lot 15, range 5, 
was a pine, six feet ; and on lot 16, range 3, stood a pine, 
ten feet in diameter. 



Since writing the foregoing we have received a com- 
munication, from which we gather the following inform- 
ation relating to the Page family : 

Page Family — First Generation. — Benjamin Page, b. in 
Dedham, 57 miles N. E. of London, in 1640 ; came to 
Haverhill, Essex Co., Mass., in 1660. He married Mary 
Wliittier, Sept. 21, 1666. She died July 29, 1698. Their 
children were : Jeremiah, b. Sept. 14, 1667 ; Mary, b. 
Dec. 7, 1669 ; Ruth, b. Feb. 3, 1671 ; Benjamin, b. May 
19, 1674 ; died from a scald, Dec. 23, 1678 ; Susannah, b. 
Oct. 28, 1676; Abiah, b. Dec. 15, 1678; Benjamin, b. 
June 30, 1681 ; Abraham, b. Dec. 15, 1683 ; Caleb, b. 
1685 ; Rachel, b. June 23, 1689. 

Second Generation. — Jeremiah Page, (son of Benjamin, 
Ist gen.) m'd to Deborah Kendrick, of Newburyport, 
Mass., June 2, 1696. Their children were: Mary, b. 
April 19, 1697 ; died July 1, 1717 ; Ruth, b. ^ov. 9, 1699 ; 
d. Nov. 17, 1775 ; Jeremiah, b. March 28, 1701 ; Joshua, 
b. Feb. 28, 1702 ; Caleb, b. August 16, 1705 ; Abigail, b. 
March 23, 1707 ; Daniel, b. March 1, 1710 ; d. July, 1712. 



188 HISTORY OF DUXRARTOX. 

Caleb Page, son of Beiijainin — 1st genr. — iii'd Miss 
Woodburn ; was a farmer iii Ilavi'i'liill, Mass., and died in 
1752. His ehildn'ii were: Caleb, b. 1705, and Josbua, V). 
Feb. 28, 1702. 

Josbua Page, son of Jeremiah — 2nd genr. — b. Feb. 
28, 1702 ; m'cl Ilannali Dnstan, iraverhill,'Mass., Feb. 19, 
1734. lie died Oct. 26, 1756. His cliildren were : Eliz- 
abeth, b. Jnne 18, 1735 ; Peter, b. Oct. 11, 1738 ; Mehit- 
al^le, b. Xov. 19, 1740 ; Ilannali, b. Feb. 20, 1741 ; Joshna, 
b. May 4, 1746 ; Jonathan, b. Angnst 12, 1748 ; David, 
b. Feb., 1750; Daniel, b. April 16,' 1754 ; Ruth, b. June 
25, 1756. 

Third Gene rati on. — Caleb Page, son of Jeremiah — 2nd 
gen. — b. August 26, 1705; m'd Puth A\^aHingford, of 
Boston, Mass., in 1729, and resided in Haverhill for a 
time, when he removed to Atkinson, in 1749. lie there 
owned land extending a mile, 'more or less, in everv direc- 
tion from the site of the academy. lie sold this land for 
the weight of his wife in silver dollars. The price 
amounted to about five thousand dollars. 

In 1751 he moved to Duiibarton, thou a wildei'iioss. 
His daughter Flizal)eth, who eame there in 1752, has 
often stood sentinel at his fort for hours, with a loaded 
musket, on the lookout for enemies in tlie shape of 
Indians. She was accustomed to pi-. iciire water from 
"One Stack Prook," bringing ii llieiice in agalk)n bottle, 
and perform the duties of cook for her father. 

Ilis first wife died in 1740. His cliildrt'ii wei-e : Caleb, 
b. 1729; Jeremiah, b. 1730; Elizabeth, b. 1736; Mary, 
b. 1738. For his second wife he nuirried Afrs. Carleton, 
who died in October, 1785. Slus Avas a large jierson, 
weighing 315 ])ounds. She M'as conveyed to meeting 
upon an ox sled, and when she visited a friend, her large 
s(puire arm cliair. \ritli circular liack, was con\(.'yed with 
her. At her di'ath the chair became the property of 
Major Caleb Stark. [We may also achl that in the same 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 189 

chair ^ve are sitting while preparing tliis notice of the 
Page family.] 

In March, 1753, the Governor of New-Hampshire sent 
Capt. Caleb Page, Col. Lovewell, of Dunstable, and 
Major Talford, of Chester, to survey and mark out a 
road from Stevenstown (Salisbury) to Haverhill, Coos 
Co. John Stark (afterwards General,) who, having been 
conveyed over the route as an Indian captive the previous 
year, and being well acquainted with the wilderness, 
acted as their pilot. The Governor and Council sent 
Capt. Page a commission as one of .His Majesty's justices 
of the peace. He declined being qualified as such, but 
requested the appointment for his son Jeremiah, by whom 
it was accepted. 

His son Caleb, jr., was an ensign of Rangers, and slain 
in the action of Jan. 21, 1757, near Ticonderoga. He is 
said to have been the handsomest man of the Page race. 
He owned lot No. 18, in the third range. Captain Spike- 
man and Lieut. Kennedy fell in the same action. On 
this occasion fourteen were killed, six wounded, six miss- 
ing. 

Mary Page m'd Deacon James Russell, of Bow, who 
died in 1797. Their children were Jeremiah P., James, 
Mary, Betsey, Peggy and Achsah. Captain Page and his 
second w^ife were buried in Heath's graveyard in Bow, 
within six feet of the road from Page Corner to Concord. 
A cluster of wdld cat-tail willows grows up on their grave. 
His first wife was buried at Haverhill, Mass. 

Fourth Generation. — Jeremiah Page, son of Caleb ( 3d 
gen.), b. in 1730; died November 29, 1807; married 
Sarah Merrill, of Billerica, Mass. ; b. 1732 ; m'd 1752 ; d. 
Sept. 15, 1807. Their children were : Caleb, b. in Dracut, 
1753 ; (L June 3, 1816 ; m'd Mary Carleton, of Haverhill, 
Mass.; Sarah, b. in Dracut, Mass., Dec. 24, 1754 ; d. 
1838; m'd Archibald Stinson. He died in 1824. Caleb 
and Sarah were left in Dracut till 1756, for fear of Indians. 
Jeremiah, b. July 29, 1756 ; d. 1842 ; m'd Elizabeth 



190 HISTORY OF DUNBARTOX, 

Carleton, of llaverliill, Mass. She died in 1847. Aclisah, 
b. Sept. 25, 1700 : d. Sept. 30, 1841 ; iii'd Hon. Beard 
IMuiiiiner, Afaivli 17, 1S04. who died Oct. 6, 1816 ; ni'd 
for seriuid liu-sbaiid, Eiiocli Coffin, April 18, 1822. He 
died in 1838. Elizabeth, b. Oct. 2, 1764 ; d. 1830 ; ru'd 
AVilliam Tenney, 1781. He died October 22, 1838. Joliri, 
b. Sept. 7, 1767 ; d. August 14, 1837 ; m'd Mary Story, 
March, 1811. She died "May, 1838. Kutli, b. Au'o-ust 15, 
1770; (lied bS04 ; m'd Dr. Syinmes Sawyei', who died in 
1835, aged <J0. 

Judge l*age bought of Samuel Smilli lot Xo. 17, third 
range, where he lived and died. lie was one of the 
Committee of Safety, with Hogg and Sargent, in the 
Revolution. lie was cliosen a delegate to the State 
Comenlion in 1778, to form a constitution, receiving so 
much opposition from the Tories that his election was 
not etfected until ten days previous to their asscnd)ling. 
He was the tii-st uuMuher from Dtmbarton to tlie (xeneral 
Court, and reelected many years ; was a justice of the 
peace and ([uorum, and judge of the court of common 
pleas for Hillsboi-ough county. He was the king's sur- 
veA'or, and as such performed much of the business of 
the State and county. He was an astronomer, and in 
1804 calculated the total ecli])se of the sun which ha}»- 
pened in 1806. He died a farmer at the age of 77. 

(4th Genr.) — Joshua Tage, son of Joshua (3d gen.) 
1). May 4, 1746; m'd 1770, Anna Ivunncls, of Tioxford, b. 
Fch. 18, 1749. She died bSOC. lie lived and died in 
Haverhill, Mass., May 23, 1806. Chihlivn : llaunnh. b. 
Jan. 1, 1771 ; Samuel, b. July l'>, 1772; .b)shua, h. A])ril 
25. 1774; Caleb, b. March 4, 1776; Joseph, 1). Oct. 17, 
1777; d.()<-t. 3, 1778; Jose}))!, h. Jan. 15, 1779; William, 
1). Oct. 10, 1780; Ifuth, 1). Aj.ril 27, 1782; Susannah, b. 
Jan. 25, 1784 ; Mary K., b. May 26, 1785 ; Sally, b. July 12, 
1788; Dudley, b. March 30,."^1790; Anna, h. April 27, 
1792. 

A\'il!iam I'age married ilanuah Heath ; childivii : Mary, 
h. August 17, 1767; Abigail, b. Dec. 25, 1768; Hannah, 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 191 

b. Dec. 28, 1770 ; Sarah, b. Sept. 2, 1773 ; Ruth, b. Oct. 
7, 1776 ; David, b. Feb. 1, 1779 ; Betsey, b. March 9, 
1781 ; Labaii,* b. August 4, 1783 ; Susannah, b. ]^ov. 11, 
1785. 



[l. S.] province of new HAMPSHIRE. 

By Isaac Ringe, Esq.^ Surveyor-General of His Majesty's 

Lands within the Province aforesaid. 
To Jeremiah Page, of Dunbarton, Esq., Greeting. 

By virtue of the power and authority to me given by 
Ilis Majesty's commission, I do hereby autliorize and 
depute you, the said Jeremiah Page, to be my Deputy- 
Surveyor for this purpose only, viz : To survey, admeas- 
ure and make out a certain tract of land, hitely granted 
by the proprietors of Mason's chiims, in said Province, to 
John Fisher, Esq. ; which tract is bounded as follows, viz : 
Beginning at the north-west corner of jSTew Concord, or 
^o. 8 (so called), on the curve patent line; from thence, 
running by said No. 8, to the north-east corner thereof; 
from thence to the southerly corner of Parry's town ( so 
called ) ; from thence, by the south-westerly side of said 
Parry's town, to the north-west corner thereof; from 
thence west to the curve line ; from thence, on the curve 
line, to the iirst point where the bounds begin, in order 
that you ma^^ ascertain the north-west corner hound of 
said ISTew Concord, or ]^o. 8 ( so called ). 

I liereAvith send the bounds of said township, as taken 
from the records, viz : Beginning at a stake and heap of 
stones, at the north-westerh^ corner of Monadnock, ISTo. 7, 
(so called), which stake and stones are on sai<l patent 
line, formerly run hy Joseph Blanchard, junior, Esq. ; 
'from thence runs b}'' said l^o. seven, south, eighty degrees 
east, six miles and an half, to a stake and heap of stones ; 

"* Settled in Concord. 



192 HISTORY OF DUXBAliTOX, 

from thence iiortli, tweiitv-i-iiilit (lei;Tees ea.st, eii^ht miles, 
uti uiigraiited land, to a boerli tree ; irom thence north, 
ei^-lity degrees west, six niik's and an hah', to patent hne 
aforesaid ; from thence sontherly h_v said patent line, to 
the honnds tii-st mentioned. And you are to nndvc due 
return of your doini^-s unto me, witliall convenient speed, 
upon t)ath. 

Given un(K'r my hand and seal, at l'(»rt>.mouth, tliis lirst 
day of duly, in tlu' ek'vcntli year of His Majesty's 
reign, Anno que Domini 1771. Isc. Rixdck. 



STATK OF XEW-HAMI'SHIKK. 
r[rLLSHOI{0U(il( SS. DUNBARTON, JuUC IT, ISOo. 

To the Hon. David Story, E.'<q., one of the Justices of the 
Peace for the Count)/ of Iliff.^horoufjh : In behalf of said 
State complains Caleb Stark, and gives your honor to 
understand that one "• Use me Well," a [)edlar, who dc- 
clares that to be his name, and not to be his name, being 
a transient traveler, trader and pedlar, and also offering 
a yard-stick, and declaring it to be the measure he uses, 
that is short measure, with an intent to defraud the jjood 
peo[»le of this State, and contrary to the law in that case 
nuide and provided : Therefore he })rays your hom)r to 
issue youi" warrant to apprehend said "Use me Well," 
that he may be deah with as to hiw and justice shall 
appertain. Caleb Stark. 

Joiix WniiM'Li; and AiuiAiiAAr B. Story, witnesses. 

Mr. •■ r.<e me Wdl" was arrested by a warrant ti'om Mr. 
Justice Story, but we have no report of the [H'oceedings, 
to sliow what was the ivsuk, or whether the j)erson's true 
name \\:is " I'sK mi; AVki.i.,"' or some other convenient 
appelhition. — Minutes from Jeremiah Pages Justice Dockets 

In 1789, one Abel liowell \vas arrested, aiid charged 
with burning the nueiing-housc in llo[ikiut(»n, on the 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 193 

complaint of Thomas Bailey, Benjamiu B. Darling and 
Philip Greeley. 

Bound over to the sii[)erior court at Amherst, and also 
confined in the jail at that place. 

April ye 13, 1703. Received of John Goidd (constahle) 
six shillings, being a line for breach of Sabbath. 

August yc 1, 1793. Received of Joseph Towne a line 
for riding ye 28 of July (Sabbath), five shillings.. 

August ye 11, 1788. " Thomas Mills, Compt. vs. Gould, 
Respondt. The respondent pleads guilty to stealing one 
sheep, valued at fifteen shillings, and two shillings with 
it ; for which he was sentenced to pay a fine of twenty 
shillings, or be wdiipped thirteen stripes, which was done 
by Archibald Stark, constable. 

Pay damages, £ 1 13 s. 6 d. 

Cost of suit, 19 4 

" For damages and cost, he was ordered to be sold to 
labor for three months, to work, to any citizen of the 
ITnited States, by said Mills, the complainant. 

Jeiieii. Page, Jus. Peace.'" 

The prisoner was sold at tlie tavern of Israel Clifibrd, 
and employed to break and clean flax. After he had 
dressed as much as he could carry, he escaped with it to 
parts unknown. 

All the judges, at this period, signed blank writs, and 
among Judge Page's papers are many accounts for blanks 
signed for Edward St. Loe Lioerr^iore, Peter Grren, Arthur 
Livermore, Charles Walker, ^ Philip and Obadiah Carrigain, 
and others', practising lawyers of Hillsborough and Rock- 
ingham courts. The judge was a calm, quiet, agreeable 
man, and seldom ruffled hy any event. One of his sayings 
was that "molasses caught more flies than vinegar." The 
Page family were of English origin. 



194 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

CAPTAIN WILLIAM PTINSON, 

AVilliani Stinsou was one of tlic early settlers of this 
toAvii uiulei- the Masonian Grant, of 1751 ; was horn of 
Scottish jiarents, in Ireland, IVIarcli 15, 1725. Fi-oni that 
eountiy, while youn<^, he emigrated with his lather to 
Londondei'iy, in New-Hani})shire. Tn the year 1751-2 
he eoninienced a settlement in Starkstown, where for a 
time he lived alone in a log eahin. While he thus dwelt 
in this plain and unpretending ahode, he received as a 
visitor the liev. David McGregore, who dined with him. 
" Xot having a table," says the historian of Londonderry, 
" nor anything that would answer for a better substitute, 
he was obliged to make use of a basket, turned up. The 
Rev, Mr. ]\lcGregore liaving been requested to solicit a 
blessing, pertinently and devoutly implored that his host 
might be blessed 'in hm basket and in his store.' This was 
literally verified, as Mr. Stinson became one of the most 
Avealthy men in the vicinity. lie abominated idle j)eople. 
lie acted a prominent part in the settlement of the 
township, and tilled, with credit to himself^ many otHces 
of trust and importance. Industrious and prudent in the 
management of his personal ati'airs, he l)ecame one of the 
most substantial frt'cholders within twenty miles of his 
residence." 

AVe liaxe heard from those present accounts of the fes- 
tival at his house when two of his daughters were married. 
It con.tinued two days, on eacli of which a wedding was 
solemnized. On this occasion the spirit of 8coteh-Irish 
liosi)ita!ity was exhibited in bounteous profusion. There, 
"clansmen and kindred, and brothers and all," were bid- 
den, and answered the invitation by their personal appear- 
ance. The whole athiir may truly be considered as a 
generous ''outpouring from the horn of ith'nty," such as 
our town has not since witnessed. 

The jiarties most particularly interested in these festiv- 
ities were Moses Chandler, of Ilo])kinton. ami Miss Xelly 
btinson ; Mr. Silas l\ Mosure, of Salem, Mass., and Miss 
Eliza Stinson. The officiating clergyman was the liev. 
Walter Harris. 



HISTOKY OF DUNBARTON. • 195 

This double wedding celebration happened the year 
after the death of Captain Stinsou. The lady who 
married Silas P. Mosure made an unfortunate match. 
She afterwards married David Page. 

Thomas, the fourth son of Capt. William Stinsou, 
senior, inherited a portion of his father's large estate, 
with his mansion house. His farm, after a number of 
years' occupancy by him, became the property of Deacon 
James Patterson, who, after residing upon it a few years, 
reconveyed it to the Stinsou family. Mr. Patterson was 
an intelligent and scientific husbandman. He introduced 
many improvements upon the estate. We heard of him 
last as living in an active, "green old age," in some town 
in Massachusetts. His son James has traveled much in 
Europe, and is how head of the carrier department of the 
Boston post-office. 

In 1796 Captain Stinsou presented a clock to the town, 
which was placed on the gallery in the old meeting-house, 
fronting the pulpit. Within a few years it has been torn 
from its place, and demolished by the school-boys of the 
vicinity, who, in their heedless ravages, uuinifested neither 
respect for the sanctity of the place or the generosity of 
the donor. 

Capt. Stinsou died August 21, 1803, aged 78. He left 
a large real and personal estate. A considerable portion 
of his real property is owned by his grandsons, Charles 
and W^illiam C. Stinsou, who are industrious and wealthy 
agriculturists, as also respectable members of society. 
The former has held several town offices, and in the years 
1859 and 18G0 was elected representative to the legislature, 

Capt. William Stinson, junior, second son of William, 
senior, was an excellent farmer and intelligent man. He 
was often employed in town aft'airs ; was liberal and 
hospitable. His wife was a superior woman, and his 
house one of the most agreeable visiting places in town. 
He was the father of Charles and William, above named ; 
as also of several dauglitcrs, one of whom, Letitia, is the 
wife of Col. Wiljiam Kent, of Concord. Capt. William 
Stinson, jr., died April 8, 1822, aged 60. 



196 . HISTORY OF DUXI5ART0N. 

Joiix ►Stinsox, brother of tlu' above, was two years at 
Dartmouth college, lie held at times the principal othces 
of the town ; was selectman twenty-three years, and four 
years representative; also major of the ninth regiment. 

lie ^^•as a man of firm jn-inciples and spotless integrity. 
Attached in early life to the cause of the democratic 
republican party, he was a strenuous advocate of pojtular 
rights and religious freedom. Tie exerted a powerful 
influence over the affairs of his mitive town. 

I^AVin Stixsox, brother of William, senior, was slain 
by the Indians while liunting on Baker's river, in Kum- 
ney, Ai)ril i''.», lTo2. Ilis companions in the hunt were 
William Stark, John Stark and Amos Eastman. The 
name of Stinson has been bestowed upon a pond and 
brook in the vicinity of the })lace of his death. For par- 
ticulars of this affair, see Memoir of Gen. Stark. 

Famihj Record. — William Stinson, b. March 15, 1725; 
Agnes Caldwell, b. June, 17-U; married March 20, 1754. 
Children: David, b. Dec. 18, 1754; Margaret, b. Feb! 
29, 175(1; AhuT, b. Xov. 15, 1757: Agnes, b. March 8, 
1760; AVilliam, jr., b. March 4, 17()2 ; Jean, b. March 17, 
1764; James, b. June, 1769; Thonuis, b. August 15, 
1771 ; Joliu, b. Oct. 17, 1773; Xelly, b. April 10, 1777; 
Elizabeth, b. July 3, 1779 ; Nhiry, h. Jan. 25, 1782. 

AiicuiiiAij) Stixsox was l)orn August 31, 1740. He 
was a thrifty farmer and large proprietor of hind ; a firm 
patriot in the trying days of the Revolution, and ardently 
siippoi-ted the republican administrations of his coun- 
try, lie, with eiglit others, voted for Jefferson in 1796. 
The pci'sons who thus voted were Archibald Stinson, 
John Stinson, Thonnis Ayci-, Israel and Jonathan Clifford, 
Simon UaiU-y,* Maj. Caleb Stai'k and Asa Durnham. 

* AVc vcriu'mbor ]\Ir. IJailcy as a wi'll-iiituriiuHl, iilausibk' and polite 
old gontlciiian. Ho was exceedhit^ly tirni in his rt'iuiblican iirinciplcs, 
sind zealous in their support. Ho was connnonly called '-(iovernor 
Bailey," but in coiiyinu; all the votes ever _<;iven in tiiis town for Governor, 
we fouTid none recorded for Simon J}ailey. lie died at a great age. He 
was once moderator, and frequently sealer of leather. He wore shorts, 
with knee-buckles, and boots or shoes, with pointed, turning upward toes. 
In personal appearance he resembled President Van IJuren, more than 
any person we ever saw. 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 197 

Jonatlian Clifford is now living. These individuak may 
tliercfore be considered as the fonnders of the democratic 
repuldican party in this town. Their vote, at this time^ 
was confirmed by the Presidential election of 1800-1801, 
which placed Thomas Jefferson at the head of the nation. 

In 1789, June 22, Mr. Stinson, in company with Wil- 
liam Tenney, contracted to bnild the meeting-house, and 
finish tlie same on or before the first day of jSTovember, 
1790. 

He acquired a handsome estate, and was reputed as an 
honest, liberal and active member of the community. He 
was particularly indulgent and agreeable to young persons. 

Famihj Record. — Archibald Stinson, b. August 3, 1740 ; 
married March 19, 1771. Children : William, b. May 25, 
1772; Jeremiah, b. April 4, 1775; John, b. Sept. 27, 
1777 ; Sally, b. Sept. 27, 1779 ; Betsey, b. Sept. 24, 1781 ; 
Polly, b. Oct. 10, 1784. Archibald Stinson, senior, died 
July 3, 1824, aged 85. His wife died Monday, Dec. 11, 
1838. The following was written by a friend soon after 
the death of Mr. Stinson : 

" Died at his residence in Dunbarton, after a distressing 
illness, July 3, 1824, Mr. Archibald Stinson, aged 85 
years. He was among the first and most enterprising 
settlers of that town, and for a number of years past a 
member of the Congregational church in that place, and 
to all appearance a true believer and" firm supporter of 
the Cross of Christ. He expired with the fullest confi- 
dence in the hope of a blessed immortality. He was a 
firm and undeviating patriot ; but although living in the 
days of the glorious struggle for American Independence, 
a fractured lind) distpialified him for the duties of the 
field. He contributed largely and willingly to the support 
of that contest ; and the war-worn veteran in the service 
of the Republic ever found a home and asylum under 
his roof, and his door was ever open to the helpless poor. 
He was unassuming in his manners, and modest without 
servilitv. He was ardent in his attachments and warm 



198 HISTORY OF DUXBARTOX. 

ill liis affections ; ever ready to incommode himself to 
oblige a friend. In his death an ay-ed widow whom he 
has left will lament the loss of a kind and affectionate 
husband; his children that of an indulgent parent; his 
connections and numerous friends a warm-hearted, benev- 
olent icllow-citizen and friend." 

Joiix Sttxsox, jr., son of the preceding, related the 
following wolf story. When a boy he was sent with a 
young sister, from his home near the meeting-house, to 
carry their dinner to his father and workmen, then mak- 
ing hay in a meadow more than a mile distant. The 
dinner basket contained, among other matters, a ([uarter 
of roasted lamb. 

AN'hile following a path through the Avoods on the hill, 
a half mile south-east of the present residence of J. C. 
Ray, Es(|., they were met by a wolf, which halted in the 
l)ath directly in their front. The children, upon this 
apparition of an enemy disposed to dispute their " right 
of way," placed the basket on the ground, and retreated 
slowly backward, keeping " their faces to the foe." 

The wolf advanced, and wlu-n they had seen him com- 
mence his dinner (probably the first cooked meal he had 
ever tasted), they tied home, raised an alarm, a turn-out 
of hunters ensued, and a large wolf was slain in the 
course of tht; day. 

Mr. Stinson afterwards received from his father the 
farm and meadow to which he was conveying the dinner 
as before mentioned. The land contained several nol)le 
groves of rock maples, of which several hundivd were 
tapped annually, which sometimes produced two flour 
barrels of sngar. 

Of this annual product he sold but a small ])ortion. Of 
the remainder, not required for his family's consumption, 
he made lil»eral donations upon all applicants. Tlis gen- 
erosity in this and in many other respects rendered him a 
popular favorite, j^articularly with the "young plants of 
grace" in liis vicinity. He said lie wished "to gain the 



HISTORY OP DUNBARTON. 199 

good will of the cliildren, for they would remember him 
in his old age." 

We have not yet heard of one of them who did not 
kindly remember his generosity to them in youth. In 
the prime of his life he Avas one of the most active men 
of this region in all farming operations — particularly as a 
hay-maker and reaper. He died April 7, 1858, aged 82. 
Mrs. Stinson is still living in comfortable health for a 
person 86 years of age. 

We have heard Mr. Stinson relate the following anec- 
dotes of his adventures in the olden time : 

While on his Avay to market with a load of produce, he 
put up for the night at a tavern a few miles north of 
Boston. In the evening a party of young gentlemen and 
ladies from town came to the same inn for a frolic and 
dance. The entrance door of the dancing hall having a 
window, Mr. Stinson thought he was doing no harm in 
looking through it at the performance. He was obsei'ved 
by the company, one of whom took from a table, covered 
witli decanters and glasses, one of the former and threw 
it at his head. The window and bottle were broken, and 
the visage of the spectator slightly wounded. Amid the 
shouts of merriment elicited from the party by what they 
considered a capital joke, the injured person retired, mut- 
tering to himself that he would "be even with them." 
He proceeded to the stable-yard and took out the linch- 
pins of the chaise wheels. The dancers departed at a late 
hour. On his way to town next morning our friend saw 
a few of the results of his experiment ; no persons, how- 
ever, were injured. 

At one of the election shows at Concord many years 
ago, a person exhibited, among other matters, in a 
temporary shanty, two large live rattle-snakes in a box 
covered with glass. A party of Dunbarton and Weare 
men, full of fun and mischief, all being stout, athletic 
persons, proposed to Mr. Stinson, who particularly hated 
the sei-pent race, to kill them, assuring him that they 



200 HISTORY OF DT'XBARTOX, 

would cover Ills retreat, and accordingly disposed of tlieni- 
selves ill such positions as to cftect their ohject. 

As he approached the hox, Avitli his hands cadi con- 
taining a stone, concealed under his coat skirts, his 
partisans called to others to " make room for him, for he 
knew all ahout snakes," and I'ooni Avas accordingly made. 
The reptiles were coiled together, and with the exclama- 
tion, " The seed of the wonum shall hruiso the scrpant's 
liead," lie discharged Ijoth stones tlirongh the glass, 
breaking both of their backs. A sharp scutHe ensued, 
but the vigor and activity of his l)ackers enabled him to 
retreat without much dithculty. 

"While on his way fi-om a store with refreshment for his 
hay-makers, in crossing a pasture, he was chased by a 
cross bull, and took refuge in an old a})ple tree, where he 
was blockaded until a party of triends, summoned by his 
sliouts, appeared with chd)s and drove away the animal. 

The tree, of which we have often tasted the fruit, 
leaned towards the ground so I'ar tliat a person could 
easily run up the trunk. It was planted by Samuel Stin- 
son, the first owner of the lot, in 1752 or 1753, uncle of 
the individual who, in the instance above stated, was 
perluqis indebted for his life to its protecting branches. 

The ]iarent tree fell two years ago, but a sprout from 
the root })roduces similar a})]i!es. It was called the '' old 
sweet a})ple tree," and near it, of the same age, stood the 
" old sour apple tree." A few rods north of their position 
arc tlic riMnains of Samuel Stinson's cellar. They are 
situated upon lot Xo. 13, 2d range, now owned by the 
heirs oi' .Majoi- (!. Stark. 

Jeremiah Stixsox, Esq., son ol' Archibald, before 
named, graduated at Dartmoutli college; read law; 
opened an ofhce in J)un1>arton, and married a daughter of 
the Kcv. AValter Harris. He was several years town- 
clerk :ind a member of several important committees 
employed by the town. 

His death was occasioned by sliding down from his hay- 
mow and coming in contact with a pitchfork-handle con- 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 201 

cealcd in the hay, which, he being quite corpulent, en- 
tered his body nearly eleven inches. After lingering a 
few days in great distress, he died Sept. 28, 1809, aged 60 
years. His widow afterward became the wife of William 
Green, then a trader in town, and afterward cashier of 
the Peraigewassct Bank at Plymouth. 

William Stinson, elder brother of the foregoing, was a 
farmer, and resided many years upon his father's home- 
stead. The farm is now the freehold of Mr. William 
Caldwell. Mr. Stinson was born May 25, 1772, and died 
March, 1847, aged 75 years. 

James Stinson, brother of x^rchibald, senior, whose 
name often occurs in the early records as connected with 
public aftairs, was an ingenious man, and an industrious 
farmer. We remember him well, as "uncle Jamie,'' his 
familiar cognomen. His language distinctly indicated his 
i!^orth British descent, from the land of Wallace, Bruce, 
and the "bonny Dundee." He was wont to complain of 
persons for stealing his " good chough white oak timmer." 
He lived and died upon the land where he first pitched 
his tent and established his abode. He was born March 
21, 1745, and died April 5, 1827, in the 83d year of his 
age. His wife was Janette Allison, daughter of Samuel 
Allison, who died Dec. 10, 1843, aged 92, and survived 
her husband sixteen years. 

His son John, many years a town officer, and colonel of 
the ninth regiment !N^. H. militia, now occupies the farm 
of his father. He is a public spirited, liberal minded, 
intelligent man. 

Children of James and Janette Stinson : William S., b. 
Oct. 6, 1783 ; Mary, b. Nov. 30, 1785 ; Samuel, b. Sept. 
17, 1787 ; John, b. N'ov. 13, 1789 ; Archibald, I). March 
14, 1791; James, jr., b. July 20, 1794; Jeremiah Page, 
b. July 20, 1798. 

Capt. Jonathan Burbank was an officer of the Rangers, 
and killed in a skirmish in 1759, during the French war, 
14 



202 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

We are not eertaiii that lie was a resident of this town, 
bnt inl'ei' tlie fact from the foHowing receipt : 

" Starkstown, 1st August, 1758. Then received of 
Capt. John Stark eighty-one })ounds, eighteen shillings, 
I^ew-York currency, being the money that was delivered 
to me by Capt. Shephard for the use of Capt. Burbnuk. 

RiTii P)1:ki3ANK." 

Stephen Burbank, we presume a son of the above, was 
a well-known carpenter, and died iu this town nearly 
fifty years ago. 

The money mentioned in the foregoing receipt was 
intended for the recruiting service of the Ranger corps. 
This was just before the time Ca})t. John Stark came 
home from the army on furlough, at which time he mar- 
ried Elizabeth Page. 

Sam^jel Stinson, brother of Capt. William Stinson, was 
the first person of the early settlers ^dio died a natural 
death in this town, and his remains were the first depos- 
ited in the central grave-yard. As we luive l)een informed, 
his grave is near the hearse-house, although no inscribed 
stone denotes the spot. 

He owned and died upon lot 'No. thirteen, in the second 
range. The property descended to his son John, who, 
during the Kevolution, joined the liritish army, and his 
estate was confiscated. He, after the wai-, returned and 
died at Xew-London. He was blind in one eye, and was 
familiarly known as ''one-eyed Johnny." 

John Stinson, brother of Samuel, above named, owned 
lot No. twelve, iu the second range. He and his son 
went over to the enemy during the Revolution, and the 
farm was confiscated. 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 203 



REV. WALTER HARRIS. 



*'Dr. Harris was born in Lel>anon, Connecticut, June 
8tli, 1761. His parents were I^atluiniel and Grace Harris, 
who had two sons and three daughters. The subject of 
this discourse was the youngest child of liis parents, and 
was born shortly after the death of his father. The name 
of his only brother was Nathaniel, who was two years 
older than himself From about the time of his Inrth 
till the death of his mother, which occurred in the six- 
teenth year of his age, the family consisted of only three 
persons — the mother and her two sons — provision having 
been elsewhere made for the daughters. 

" Dr. Harris, a short time before his death, mentioned 
some circumstances which, as connected with the religious 
character and habits of a beloved parent, he recollected 
with the tendercst emotion. His mother was pious, and 
her house was a little sanctuary, in which she regularly 
maintained the worship of God. The manner in which 
she performed this duty was truly affecting. After read- 
ing a portion of the Scripture, she took each of her little 
sons by the hand, and in this position of her entire house- 
hold, offered her fervent prayers to Him of whom it is 
written, ' a father of the fatherless, and judge of the 
widow is God in his holy habitation.' 

" To a cold hearted sceptic, this would probably seem 
unworthy of notice, but not so to those who, like our 
departed father and friend, believe that God directs to 
important results all the circug^nstances of our lives. 

" By the death of the mother, the two sons were left in 
the sixteenth and eighteenth years, resjDectively, of. their 
ages, without parent or guardian, and with only a pittance 
of worldly substance. Their situation was now afflictive, 
and, for a short time, they were in suspense in relation to 
the choice of their future course." — Rev. Mr. Bradford's 
Discourse. 

Circumstances originating in the troubled situation of 
their country soon disposed of that question. The cam- 



204 III>T')KV OF rUNHARTOX. 

paitxii t»i 1777 liad comnu-iiccd. The most gloomy and 
doubtful [H'l'iod of the revolutionary contest had arrived, 
the events of whuli were destined to decide, in favor of 
the revolted colonies, the cause for which they had ap- 
peakMl t(» the (rod of armies. 

Kneri!:etie exhortations, settiiiti' foi-th the dangers and 
distress of the country, 'were addressed to the ])eo]»le 
from the lialls of legislation, as well as pronounced from 
the pulpit, in ahnost every handet throughout the land, 
urgently calling for volunteers to iill the ranks of the 
continental army, in antici})ation of the approacliing fear- 
ful crisis. 

Witli other young patriots, tlie Harris brothers re- 
sponded to the appeal of their country, and in May, 1777, 
became soldiers. Nathaniel Harris (while, in that year, 
acting as an aid to Gen. Brigham, of A'ermont, so says 
the legend of his family), was killed 1)}' a cannon l)all, 
when the British attacked Mud Fort,* near Philadelphia. 
If we understood him correctly, Mr. Harris informed us 
that he was at his l)rotlier's side wdien he fell, at the battle 
of Brandywine, in 1777. The subject of this notice 
passed uninjured through three years of service, al- 
though se\eral times exposed t(^ danger, and received, in 
1780, an honorable discharge. He returned to peaceful 
life, uncontaminated l»y the Tn'entious exam}»h's and cus- 
toms which usually abound in eam])s, as in all other posi- 
tions in military service. Soon after leaving the army he 
purchased a lot of land at Lel)auon, in the vit'inity of 
Dartmouth (college. I'he tract was nearly in a state of 
nature. This he intemled to cleai", and con\ert into a 
flourishing farm. During the severe winter of 1780-81, 
with an axe on his shoulder, he' commeiu'cd his solitary 
journey on foot for the scene of his intende(l operations. 
He was then nineteen years of age. 

in diu' timi; lu' reached his place of destination, and 
engaged in the task he had undertaken. There he toiled 



IIIPTORY OF DUNBARTOX. 205 

for a time in felling trees, but tlie slow progress which 
attended his simple exertions induced a sudden " change 
to come over the spirit of his dream," and an opinion to 
be generated as speedily in his mind, that he could render 
himself a more useful member of society in some differ- 
ent occupation from that w4iich he had so recently com- 
menced. 

He foresaw the difficulties he was liable to encounter in 
procuring means to support himself while acquiring an 
education, dependent as he was solely upon his oavu efforts, 
with no wealthy or influential friends to assist him by aid 
of funds and counsel. These, wdth other circumstances 
and considerations in connection, were discussed (floud, 
while he sat alone in the forest, upon the tree he had last 
felled. There, soliloquizing within hearing of no other 
human ear than liis own, he argued, by proposition and 
answer, the sul)ject in wliicli he had become so deeply 
interested. The case was in a short time summed up, and 
in a louder tone than he had used during his monologue, 
the verdict was declared in tliese Avords : " I will go to col- 
lege ^ Suiting the action to the words, he stuck his axe 
into the fallen tree, leaving it there as a prize to the finder, 
and departed to prepare for the execution of his deter- 
mined resolve. 

He graduated Avith reputation at Dartmouth C-ollege, in 
1787, and studied divinity under the direction of Dr. Em- 
mons, an eminent scholar and divine, at Franklin, Mass., 
where he probably became acquainted with jNIiss Fisher. 
whom he afterward married. 

Oc-iohcr 30, 1788. A committee from the town of Dun- 
barton engaged Mr. Harris to preach for a year, or a 
shorter term, upon probation ; and on the 20th of Au- 
gust, 1789, he was ordained as pastor of the church in 
that town. He soon afterward took possession of the val- 
uable lot of land set apart by the proprietors to become 
the property, in fee simple, of the first settled minister, 
upon which he became an exemplary practical farmer. 
His land was well cultivated and abundantly productive. 



206 niSTORY OF DUXBARTON. 

One season, Avhen few people in this part of the country 
raised corn snitahh) to phint, lie raised a fine crop, and 
sold seed corn for four dolhirs per bushel. Economy and 
neatness were leading- characteristics of his agricultural 
operations.* 

The lainistrj- of Mr, Harris was eminently successful. 
He gathered and kept united a numerous church, and his 
society was large, considering the limited s[)iiere of his 
exertions, over whom he exercised a powerful influence, 
whicli iudeed extended generally throughout the town. 

lie })ossessed much natural talent, a prominent-featured, 
strongly marked, grave and tlu)ughtful countenance; a 
person dignified and cominanding, with corresponding- 
manners. His presence was sufficient to command and 
preserve order in ])ul)lic assemblies, even when the ])as- 
sions of the jicople were excited hy i)olitical or other in- 
terests. His pulpit oratoi-y was fer\-ent and impressive, 
his voice powerful, and his language imad(U'ned by rhetor- 
ical flourish, was distinct, ])old and effective. 

"A mail .severe he was, and stern to view." 

He was a good husljaiul; kind in his domestic circle, 
firm in his friendship), of midouljted integrity, and reso- 
lute in the performance of what he considered his duty. 
He was endowed witli slirewdness, address, self-})osses- 
sion, and courage. Thrown into active life aiuid the 
troul)led scenes of revolutionary strife, the Iavo latter 
characteristics would naturally acquire strength ami sta- 
bility from his early service in the war-fields of that 
eventful dranui. 

When the eulogy upon the Mai'(|uis de la Fayette was 
delivered belbre the legislature, l)y lion. Nathaniel (J. 

••■■lie allowed IK) [loiir walls and fences to stand upon hi< Cam), nor woods 
to ovor-top tlie corn in his fields. Whon, dnrint;- his rides, he observed 
any of these indications of had husbandry, he advised the owners to abate 
the nuisance. The Z"i\\ exhibited in liis rural oecup;itions, and the good 
husbandry manifested in the appearance of his own farm, house, barn, 
and out))uildings, contributed much toward establi.sliin<;- the inHuonce he 
poss(!Ssed over the dwellers in thi.s agricultural town. 

Dr. Harris i)ublished several sermons, one of which, <>u the subject of 
" False Teachers," delivered in Dunbarton in ISU, wo have in possession. 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 207 • 

Upham, ill 1835, Dr. Harris, the '' veteran of Brandy- 
wine," sat in the pulpit of the " old north ehurch," at 
Concord, beside the orator; who, in the course of his 
address, alluded to his "venerable friend" as having been 
present in arms at the battle of Brandywinc, where that 
illustrious friend of the United States received his first 
wound in the cause of liberty. 

Dr. Harris was respected through life, and retired from 
his labors at a patriarchal age. During the latter portion 
of his ministry he was assisted by the Rev. John M. 
Putnam as a colleague, for a short time, when he retired 
entirely from his pastoral connection with the church, 
and Mr. Putnam became his successor. Mr. Harris died 
Dec. 25, 1843, aged 82 years, 6 months, and 17 days. He 
was thrice married, and in each instance his selection was 
very fortunate. His first consort was Jemima Fisher, 
daughter of Nathaniel Fisher, of Franklin, Mass., born 
April 13, 1770 ; who was the mother of his children, and 
a superior woman. She died March 12, 1815, in the 45th 
year of her age. His second was Elizabeth E. Cleave- 
land, born Sept. 5, 1767; died Jan. 20, 1830, aged 62 
years, 4 months, 15 days. His third wife was Jane Aiken, 
born Feb. 12, 1776. 

The children of Walter and Jemima Harris were: 
Clarissa, b. June 17, 1790 ; d. April 18, 1817, aged 26 
y., 10 mo., 1 day ; Jemima, b. Feb. 12, 1792 ; d. April 15, 
1811, aged 19 y., 2 mo., 3 days ; Mary, b. Feb. 4, 1794 ; 

a. -^ov. — , 1856, aged 62 y., 10 mo. ; Nathaniel Fisher, 

b. May 12, 1797 ; d. May 3, 1844, aged 46 y., 11 mo., 22 
days ; ^Elijah Lyman, b.' Nov. 18, 1798 ; d. March 17. 
1854 ; Lewis F.^, b. May 16, 1801 ; "Walter, b. Nov. 26, 
1803. Lewis Fisher and Walter Harris, Jr., are now the 
only surviving children of the Rev. Walter Harris. The 
former is a merchant, residing at the South, and the latter 
in New-Jersey. 

Elijah Lyman Harris received a good education, and 
commenced his career, at the age of seventeen, as a clerk 
in the store of William Green. He was afterward a 



208 UISTORY OF DUNBAKTON. 

triweler, seaman, soldiei- and teacher. J I is adventures by 
sea and land, in diifermt jjortions of the Ignited States, 
the southern Athintie coast of tlie same, the AVest-Indies, 
the Spanish Main, the Oulf of Mexico, and the South 
Paeilie seas, are recorded in a Jounuil written by liimself, 
tor a period of about forty years, wliicli is now in the 
possession of liis family. It contains much intei-estins: 
matter, and is well written, lie was accidentally (h'owned 
at MaysviHc, Kentucky, in the Ohio i-iver, .\hircli lt)-17, 
1854. The followini^ communication from a coroner de- 
scril)es the circumstances of his (h>ath. It was directed 
to liis niece. Miss Lizzie Tenney, whose lettei-, found in 
liis trunk, informed liim of tlie residence of his friemls : 

Maysvillk, March 2li, lsr)4. 

Dear ^li^s : — 1 lield an inquest on the 17th instant on 
the body of a man, from j)a])ers found in liis trunk, to be 
of the name of Elijah L. Harris. He was a passeno-er 
wlio came down tlie river on the steamer '' Falls City," 
just before day, and a few minutes after was drowned olf 
the wharf boat. On ii'oinii; to the ''(Joddai'd House," 
and missing Ins l)ag<i"aii:e, he returned to the wharf-})oat to 
seek for it. It is sup})osed that the glare of the moon on 
the water decei\ed him, and he ste]»j»ed oNcrboard. 

The three large tingers of his left hand art' otK* His 
papers show him to be a jtensioner. His momy (iit>47.17), 
out of which weix' ]»aid the exiienses of a decent burial, 
his trunk and carpet-bag, with tlu'ir contents (3--).o0), 
you will please write wliat to do with them. 

■^'ours respectfully, C'akthu Ukll. 

Jlis? JJ/.zio Teiiiu-y. 

Since writing the foreg\)ing notice of Di'. Harris, we 

* "Wliili- a j)nrty of his rcijiincMt were practiciiit;' at tarix<'t.-, ^Ir. Harris, 
boini^ in the front ranl<, this acridciit was caused Ity a inistakc of the 
man in his roar, who, as he lired, instead of stepijin;^ one foot to the 
risjht, stepped one foot liaek, by wiiicli movement his l)nllet carried away 
the finijer.s of .Mr. Harris. This eireiimstaiice seiurid him a life ]iension 
of three dolhirs per month. 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 200 

have received a coininuiiication, wliich we insert in the 
writer's own words: 

" Rev. "Walter Harris was horn at Lehanon, Connecti- 
cut, June 8, 1761. He was grandson of Walter Harris, 
of Connecticut, and son of Nathaniel Harris, of the same 
place, who died in 1751. His only hrother, N'athaniel, 
was killed hy a cannon shot, while ^le enemy were 
attacking Mud Fort (Ked Bank) near I'hiladelphia. He 
acted as aid to Gen. Brigham, who was afterward Lieut. 
Governor of Vermont. Dr. Harris was a fellow soldier 
with his hrother, and witnessed his death. 

"While in the army, near I^ewport, his commander 
made a retreat from the British (who had made their 
appearance on the hill), hy sending the troops and hag- 
gage all day across the river in sight of the enemy. These 
retreating troops passed up the river into the woods, 
and by this means regained their camp — a ruse of our 
general to hlind the enemy, causing them to suppose the 
troops were gathering for hattle next day, when oui- 
soldiers were next morning safe in their camp, thirty 
miles distant. This masterly effort and brilliant achieve- 
ment of our general was in consequence of the neglect 
or refusal of Count de Estainge, the French Admiral, to 
support us in the conflict unless he could be commanding- 
officer of the day.* 

" Dr. Harris was bold, as became a soldier of the cross : 
scarcely inferior to Dr. Emmons in clearness, discrimina- 
tion, argumentation, and, as a close disciplinarian, ever 
valiant for the truth. In the pulpit he used short notes, 
holding in his hand a small bible, to which he turned for 
references. His gestures were prompted by the nature of 
his sul)ject ; his tones clear and penetrating. Often, when 

* The above probably alludes to the siege of Newport, Rhode-Island, 
in 1778, where, instead of remaining to support General Sullivan, Count 
de Estainge sailed from his position at Newport, to engage the British 
fleet ; in consequence of which Sullivan was compelled to retreat to the 
main land. Mr. Harris was, during his latter years, an honorable pen- 
sioner of the United States. 



210 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

preaching a doctrinal discourse, he rose to a pitch of sub- 
lime and sulxluini:: el()([Uoncc. The conversion of sinners 
to God was tlie great aim ot" his ministry. ITis old age 
was serene — his death peaceful, lia}»py, triumphant." 

Dr. Harris possessed a vein of drv humor, Avhich occa- 
sionally manifested itself, notwithstanding his generally 
grave demeanor. An old Concoi'd tVieiid rt'lated the fol- 
lowing instance : 

In the early days of our State government it was cus- 
tomary for all clergymen, who saAV lit, to attend the meet- 
ing of the Legislature, and they were allowed hy that 
body a dinner with the person appointed to deliver the 
election sermon. The diinier at the time to which we 
allude was at the house of Deacon John Kiml)all, where 
Governor Langdon had his quarters. 

The ]\ev. Mr. was well known as " a good trencher 

man." lie consumed more food at a meal than Avould 
satisfy the appetites of two ordinary [)ersons. lie had his 
plate liea[)ed on this occasion with salmon and other 
accom]»animents, until it could hold no nuu-e. 

Dr. Harris, who sat next him, called to Mrs. Kimball, 
saying: "Do be so good, Mrs. K., as to furnish brother 

with anotlii'r }»iate, for he has no room on the one 

before him to begin to eat his dinner." 

"^riie remai'k t-alU'd forth many smiles from the guests, 
as' the good lady ordered him an exti'a plate. 



MA.mii .biHX Mills, son of Thomas Mills, was born 
danuary 7, ITilO. .Ife was a soldier at Bunker's Hill, and 
prohaMy engaged in other actions of the Revolutionary 
war. 

1)1 nil his ti-:iiisact!ons he was known as a plain-dealing, 
honest, and u}>right man. He attained the rank of nnijor 
(X. H. M.), and filled for years offices of trust and honor. 
He was moderator f)ur times, rt'presentative eight years, 
selectnuni twenty-tw(j years, and treasurer thirty-five years, 
l)esidcs being appointed upon many important committees. 



HISTORY OF DUNBAKTON. 211 

He was generally respected, and performed well the part 
assigned him in the scene of existence where Providence 
placed him. 

His son, John Mills, Jr., Esq., was a town officer and 
representative. He removed to Michigan in 1835-6, Avhere 
he died. The Mills family were staunch old-fashioned 
Federalists.* 

Children of Major John and Margaret Mills : John 
Mills, Jr., b. November 6, 1786 ; Thomas, b. September 
21, 1788 ; Polly, b. September 24, 1790 ; Peggy, b. Sep- 
tember 15, 1792 ; James, b. September 4, 1794 (died Jan- 
uary 28, 1805) ; Betsey, b. December 20, 1795 ; William, 
b. March 30, 1798 ; Thankful, b. July 11, 1800. 

Thomas, fiither of Major John Mills and others of the 
name, died jSTovember 21, 1795, aged 70. 

Lieut. Thomas Mills, son of Thomas, above named, 
born January 7, 1761, was a volunteer at Bennington, 
where he was detained several weeks after the action, to 
attend upon the wounded men. 

He stated that the night after the battle the prisoners 
(wounded included) were shut up in a meeting-house, 
around which sentinels were posted. During the night 
several of them, attempting to escape", were tired upon by 
the guard. Mr. Mills died :N'ovember 5, 1848, in the 88th 
year of his age. 

The children of Thomas and Mar}- Mills were : Betsey, 
b. January 3, 1789 ; Peggy, b. May 16, 1791 ; Tamar, b. 
December 6, 1792 ; Sally," b. January 2, 1795 ; Thomas, b. 
May 7, 1798 ; Thankful', b. June 17, 1800 ; Ruth, b. July 
9, 1802 ; Emily, b. April 15, 1805. 

Caleb Mills, brother of the foregoing, was a wealthy 
farmer. His youngest son, Caleb Mills, Jr., was edu- 
(!ated at Dartmouth College. He is now a clergyman and 
a professor of Wabash College, Indiana. 

Peter Mills, brotlier of Caleb Mills, senior, settled at 
Zanesville, Ohio, where he died a few years ago, leaving a 

* John, son of Caleb Mills, and his sons, were the only Democrats in 
the Mills family. 



212 HISTORY OF UUNBARTON. 

considerable estate acquired hy traffic iu Kevolutionary 
Army lands. He was once enn>lo\ed by .Folin Jacob 
Astorin the i'lir trade, and in tliat cajjacity tra\'eled niucb 
in Canada and tlie far Northwest. ]Ie left no children. 
lie was born Se}>tember 25, 17G9. 

Fininhi Record of Caleb 3IiUs : dolm, b. December 30, 
1786 ; Sarah, b. ( )ctober 20, 17il3 ; Xancy, b. May 4, 1797 ; 
r..lly, b. Marcli 14, 1-^00 ; Klizabetli, li. duly 15, 1808; 
Caleb Mills. ,li-., and Fanny Mills, b. July 18, 1806. 
Calcl> Mills, seiiioi', was ])()rn dune 8, 1765, and died Jan- 
uary 8, lcS34. 

AVii.i,iA.M I5k.\u]), born dune 4, 1758, was a soldier of 
the Ivevolution at the ag-e of sixteen, and served in the 
(^amula campaii^n in 1775 ; also at Ticonderoga in 1776-7. 

He i-elated, as an anecdote, that in the vicinity of that 
fortress was a tine spring of clear, cool water, near which 
hard fighting had taken ]»lace in the attach of 1758. The 
soldiers there found a Innuan skull, which they cleansed 
and used for a drinking cup. 

lie was a nuui of large stature, a good farmer and an 
extensive cultivator of hops. lie died August 10, 1838, 
in the 81st year of his age. In 1811 his mime is recorded 
as a tythingman, as lollows : 

" Tjjthingmen chose. 1. Lieut, 'i'homas Mills. 2. AVil- 
liani T>eard ; do refuse to take the oath. 3. Major AVil- 
liaiu ni'own." 

Mr, Beard served in se\ci'al town ollict's, and was a 
lirni deffersonian Re}>ul)lican. His children wci'c two 
daughters: Kachel, born Feb. 16, 1780, and Mary E., 
horn Mai-ch 16, 1701. liaehel was married to Moses Mar- 
shall and Mary to James Stone. 

Both of Mr. Ih'ard's sons-in-law lia\ i' cvt'r bei'U consid- 
sidered "good men and true." Mr. Maishall has heeii 
dead some yeai's, but Mr. Stoiu' is now li\ing. He is a 
woi'thy exanntle of a good farmer, and a tii-m supporter 
of republican institutions, as are all his sons. 



UrSTORY OP DUNBARTON, 213 

On his [Mr. Board's] o;ravc-stone arc the words, "A 
soklier of the l-iovohitiou." 

John Bunten was an early iuhahitant of this town, and 
often employed i)i puhlic aftairs. According to the fol- 
lowing record he was hlessed with a numerous proii^eny. 
He died March 26, 1833, aged 76. 

John and Elsie Bnnten's children: Tlohert, h. August 
5, 1777 ; Mary, b. August 30, 1779 ; Sarah, h. August 9, 
1781 ; John, b. August 7, 1783 ; Samuel, b. September 25, 
1785 ; Andrew, b. September 12, 1787 ; Elsie, b. January 
23, 1790 ; Anne, b. December 15, 1792 ; Burnham, b. 
February 26, 1795 ; Jenny, born February 6, 1797 ; James, 
b. August 29, 1799. 

The name of John Fulton occurs several times in the 
proprietors' records and in those of the town, as a publico 
officer. He became an inliabitant at an early date. His 
children were : Elizabeth, b. ^March 15, 1774 ; Samuel, 
b. May 22, 1776 ; Robert, b. November, 22, 1778 ; John, 
born February 9, 1781 ; Janette, b. February 22, 1783. 



JOSEPH PUTNEY AND JAMES ROGERS. 

Joseph Putney and James Rogers were the first settlers 
of Dunbarton. The time of their settlement is not 
known, but we are induced, from several circumstances, to 
suppose it to have been made several years prior to 1746. 

Hunting, in the infancy of our country, was the most 
profitable employment of its inhabitants. While en- 
gaged in an expedition of this character, Putney and 
Rogers discovered the "Great Meadow" in this town, 
then covered with a luxuriant growth of natural grass. 

The apparent facilities there aftbrded for procuring 
fodder for cattle induced the hunters to regard this as a 
desirable situation for a permanent location. They ac- 
cordingly erected log houses, and removed their families 
from their former abodes in Londonderry, through an 



214 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

almost unbroken wilderness, to their new lionics. Bow 
was ]»r()l)al)ly at that time without an inluihitant, and 
Jiumtord (Concord), the nearest settlement. 

TIr' oidy access to that town Avas by the rude footpatJi 
which these hardy foresters themselves formed through 
the woods, spotting the trees as they advanced. No 
nearer than Concord were to be found stores for trafttc, 
mills, schools, or places of worship. None of the privi- 
leges the}' had formerly enjoyed followed them to their 
lonely retreat. Their dependence for stdjsistence and 
comfort was upon the improvements which their industry 
alone could accomplish, of the rude, but, in numy respects, 
bountiful materials which luiture offered them. The 
forest furnished occupation for their axes; their wild 
occu[iants of beast and fowl, and the fish of the streams, 
offered abundant opportunities for proving their skill in 
the use of the musket, tra}), hook or spear, to procure for 
themselves the enjoyment of sportsmen, and ^trovision for 
their families. 

In their isolated position, braced with firm nerves, good 
liealth, and determined resolution, they struggled onward, 
clearing land, rearing stock, and planting orchards, until 
174(), when a body of hostile Indians appeared in the 
Merrimack valley, to destroy the ])ro[)erty of the settle- 
ments, and slay, or "-captivate" the inhabitants. 

Two persons from a Concord garrison, well knowing 
the defenceless condition of the two families in Dunbar- 
ton woods, ])roceede(l thitlu'r in the night, to lu^tify them 
of their danger; and in the course of the same night the 
families of Rogers and Putney returned with them to the 
garrison at liumford. 

Kogers and l*utney returned the next day for their cat- 
tle. The ruins of their still smoking dwellings, their 
slaughtered cattle lying scattered around, their fruit trees 
destroyed, the result of laborious years thus rendered of 
no avail, told them that the remorseless savage had been 
there. 

AVho cannot sympathize with thes*.' worthy parents, or 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 215 

imagine their feelings wlieu returning to the garrison to 
inform their anxious rehitives and friends tliat tlic'tr all 
had, within a few hours, heen kiid waste hy the hands of 
their ruthless invaders. One subject of consolation was 
theirs — the timely warning of friends liad presen'ed their 
lives. 

Miss Mary Clark, of Concord, a lady of talent. and lite- 
rary acquirements, whose residence was a short distance 
from the Bradley monument, composed a ballad in the an- 
tique style, which was read or sung at the ceremonial of 
erecting the same, from which we extract the following: 

" The fierce Canadians (Frenchmen tliey), 

Had set the Indians on : 
'Tvvas sad to see for many a day, 

The miscliicf that/was done. 
Houses were burnt and cattle slain, 

And smiling fields laid" waste — 
To seek the lurking foe was vain — 

His steps might not be traced ; 
For the dark, trackless woods concealed 

Him ; issuing whence, he seized 
The unwary laboier in the field, 

A captive, if he pleased." 
******* 

" A hundred Indians, near about, 

Blood-thirsty, fierce and strong. 
Seen, now and then, in straying scout, 

As they had passed along, — 
In August, '46, came down 

Direct from Canada, 
Bent to destroy the embryo town. 

If in their course it lay : 
Yet did the people not forget 

The holy Sabbath day : 
In their log meeting-house they met, 

To hear, and praise, and pray. 
Each carrying his gun, went in, 

For fear what might betide, 
And parson Walker there was seen 

With musket by his side. 

life ^ ^ ^ ^ 3)^ ^ 

" But, oh ! the morrow came ; and then 

In Penacook was seen 
Such slaughter of their bravest men, 

As never yet had been." 



•21\j HISTORY OF DUN BARTON. 

Hoo'ors and PiitiR'V ivinajiKMl at Ruinlord until the 
(K'[)ro(lati()iis of tlie (.'lUMuy liad ci-ascd in tliat ^•i(•inity. 
Durino- the time of Ins residence tliere, Putney, while at 
woi-k upon the interval, was fired u]ion hva party of Indians 
and his arm hroken. He escaped, and the hall which 
occasioned his wound was preserved in the family, until, 
l)y a thoughtless hoy, without the knowledge of his elder 
relatives, it was melted for some childish purpose. 

When the community became more tranquil, and fears 
of Indian depredation had subsided, in 1749, Putney and 
Rogers rebuilt their log houses, and removed their fami- 
lies to their former homes. 

A few years afterward, while Rogers was driving cattle 
a distance back into the woods for feed, being dressed in 
clothing of bear's skin, he was observed by a person en- 
gaged in running lines, "vyho, supposing that a bear Avas 
before him, tired with fatal eftect at the ol)ject in view. 
Rogers survived the wouiul but a few liours. 

Joseph I*utney passed the renuiimler of his life in the 
place hallowed by so nuuiy exciting events, where he died 
at an advanced age. At tlie house of Ids son, Henry 
Putney, were for several years held the meetings of the 
towns of Dunbarton and Bow, while classed for the choice 
of a Representative to thG General Court. David Putney, 
son of Henry, before named, resided on the same })reni- 
ises, and died a few years ago. 

His son Henry, now the only one of the name, as head 
of a family, residing in Dunbarton, is of the fourth gene- 
ration from Joseph Putney. He has been elected to all 
the ofKces of importance in town ; has been two years 
representative to the Legislature ; was a delegate to the 
Convention for amending the Constitution of Xew-IIamp- 
sliire, and has the last and present year been elected 
chairman of the board of selectmen. David Putney, his 
brother, has been for several years an officer and repre- 
sentative of the town of Dow. 

For the infornuition contained in the foregoing state- 
ment we are indebted to Henry Putney, Esq. 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 217 

ISTo family record of Joseph Putney or Lis son Henry 
appearing upon tlie town hooks, we insert that of David 
Putney and his wife, Rehecca. 

Chikh-en : Molly, h. March 23, 1791 ; Rehecea Sawyer, 
b. July 10, 1793- Adna, 1). July 10, 1796; Fanny, b. 
February 27, 1799 ; David, b. Sept. 6, 1801 ; Fanny, b. 
September 22, 1805 ; Henry, b. June 11, 1807 ; Louisa, b. 
December 5, 1810, 

As Mr. Asa Putney was an early settler in town, we 
here insert his family record : 

The children of Asa Putney : James Putney, b. Decem- 
ber 21, 1756 ; Hannah, b. April 14, 1758 ; Phebe, b. Octo- 
ber 5, 1759 ; Jeremiah, b. April 7, 1761 ; Rachel, b. Sep- 
tember 4, 1762 ; Abigail, b. October 12, 1764 ; Asa, Jr., 
b. Xov. 12, 1776; Sarah Putney, b. January 19, 1769: 
Joseph, b. May 9, 1771 ; Molly and Joseph, b. May 22, 
1773 ; IMartha Putney, 1). Sept. 3, 1775 ; Susy, b. April 
20, 1778. 

Thomas IIuse, mentioned in the proprietors' records, 
was quite an important personage in the early days of the 
town. He was among the first grantees, in 1752. His 
familj' record is as follows : 

Sarah Huse, b. :N'ov. 4, 1778 ; Seth, b. June 30, 1782 : 
Betty, b. August 4, 1784 ; James, b. August 10, 1786 ; 
Thomas, Jr., b. July 30, 1788 ; Hannah, b. [N'ovember 11, 
1790 ; Lydia, b. February 19, 1793 ; Anna, b. March 2. 
1795 ; c(vrene, b. November 13, 1798 ; Seth, 2d, b. June 5. 
1802. 

Capt. William Parker, from Bradford, Mass., was for 
many years a man of note in this town. He located him- 
self on the Page road, where he established a tannery, 
and carried on, for the times, a large business. In com- 
pany with his brother Phinehas, he established a store at 
the central village, near the meeting-house. He was a 
prominent leader of the Federal party in this place, and 
was a man of business as well as intelligence. He died 
15 



218 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

iu I8I0, generally res])ecte(l. Ills children wore all re- 
spectable and well educated. Three of his daughters 
married clergymen. J lis daugliter Anne is the wife of 
the Rev. Mr. Bird, who was a missionary to Palestine, 
and for several years stationed at Beyroot. She was there 
enabled to acquire information in respect to that highly 
interesting ])orti(Mi of the eastei'n world, from actual ob- 
servation. 

His sons were Leonard, (drowned A\!iilc young, near 
Ravniond's mill) William, Daniel ][. and Leomu'd, 2d. 
Daniel II. now resides on the homestead of Major John 
Mills, whose danghter was his (Irst ^\■ilc. Jlc is a good 
farmer, deacon of the church, has been several years, 
and is at present, a town-otiicer, as well as a respected 
citizen. 

EiJKXEZER Woodbury, an old inhabitant of this town, 
was born in 1762, and died in 1853, aged IH years. He 
voted at the Presidential election in 1852 for Pierce 
electors. We conversed with him at that time, and, if 
our recollection is correct, he stated that he had voted at 
every Presidential and at every Annual election since his 
21st year. He (mce owned the mills now possessed by 
Ebenezer P. Kiml)all. lie said he had lived '-through 
ninety (■ oh I irinlers." (Children of l']bcnezer and Ilauiiah 
Woodbury: David, b. May 10, 1785; Ebenezer, 1). Aju-il 
11, 1788 ; Jonathan, b. January 1. 1790 ; Hannah, b. Jan- 
uary 23, 1792; John, b. February 10, 1794; Polly, b. 
July 29, 1798 ; (Jardner. 1). Septcndicr !», 1800. 

Hazadiah and Aniui Woodbury's cliildroi : Anna, b. 
August 15, 1817; Ira, b. January 20, 1820; Lyman, b. 
June — , 1825; Jane, 1). February 27, 1828. 

Catt. Moses C'arr was a person well known to the 
elderly inhabitants of this place. He was tall in ])erson, 
possessed great strength, and was a hard working farmer, 
as -also, in his younger days, a successful hunter; when 
valuable game, such as beavers, otters and other animals, 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 219 

the fur of whicli commanded high prices, were plenty. 
He oVned more than seventy-five traps ; was an excellent 
marksman, as well as fisherman. He worked as " foreman 
of the crop" for twenty-three years on the farm of Major 
Stark. With the accumulated wages of his day labors, 
and the profits of his attention to his traps at night, (for 
his stronof constitution enabled him to turn ni«!;ht and 
day to profit) he settled, in 1811, upon one of his farms 
obtained by mortgage, with an estate of six thousand 
dollars — a great property at that period for a farmer. He 
died in 1838^ at an advanced age. 

The daughter of Moses Carr was married to Robert 
Chase, Jr., who, after her decease, sold the farm to Capt. 
Nathan Gutterson. 

John Church came to this town as a protegee of 
"Master Robert Hogg,"' among the first settlers. We 
have understood that his name was derived from the cir- 
cumstance of his being found at the door of a church, as 
an abandoned infant. He was located, by Mr. Hogg's 
aid, upon lot jSTo. 18, in the first range, in the north- 
western part of the town. He was an economical farmer, 
was selectman, collector, constable, and a deacon of the 
church. He was first called John Hogg and afterwards 
John Church. 

He divided his farm with his son-in-law, James George. 
He afterwards incurred much troubje and expense on 
account of an insane daughter, so that in his old age, 
when past labor, his expenses consumed the value of his 
estate, 'and he was forced to apply to the town for assist- 
ance. It was a pitiable sight to witness, as we did, the 
arrival of a man of his respectability at the town farm. 
He died there Dec. 27, 1842, aged 97. He and Mrs. 
Joseph Leach (102) were the oldest persons who ever died 
in this town. 

Capt. John Duke is a native of France. He sailed 
while young to the East Indies on board a French vessel. 



220 irrsTOKY of duxbarton. 

lie caiin' from the Kast to Salem in an Amerieaii vessel. 
Afterwards he made se\H'ral voyages as an officer on 
')oard vessels ])eloiiii^iiig- to the Messrs. Gardner, of Salem. 
Tie broils-lit with him to l)u]d)arton a considerable 
amount (•!" jir()i)ei'ty about 181.3-14. He is now living in 
good liealth, which he has thus ilir enjoyed during his 
life. His age is more than SO, and his uu'mory has failed. 

Mil. .Im'. KoWKi.i, was horn in Goftstown, Feb. 24, 1771. 
Ilis father and grandfather came to that town from Salis- 
bury, Mass., in 1700, and settled on the Uenjamin JJIais- 
dell farm, now owned by .Jacob A. Flanders. ITis 
grandfather died in 1708. His father moved to DerryHeld 
in 1777. There Mr. Row'ell occu[)ied the farm of his 
father, holding for a time a commission in the New- 
Hampshire militia, and being also elected to several town 
offices. He was a Democrat and a Fniversalist. 

In 1887, he purchased the farm of Jlobert Chase, in 
Dunbarton, where he resided until his death, July 12, 
1848. His second wife was the widow of Robert Dins- 
more, and daughter of the late Daniel .lameson, Esq. 
After Mr. Howell's decease she became the wife of Capt. 
Oliver Bailc)', whom she survives. 

Leonard Howell, Esq., son of the above, is a magistrate, 
and has foi' several years held the otliees of town-clerk 
and selectman. 

John Hogg (or Hoog), and Samuel, his t'lder l)rother. 
from Hanipstead, of Scottish descent, were among those 
to whom lands were assigned at the proprietors' meeting, 
held at Londonderry on Monday, March 7, 1752. Robert 
Hogg, probably their cousin, became an inhabitant of the 
township aftei'wards. He was chosen chaii-man of the 
l)oard of selectmen at the first meeting held under the 
charter, Sept. -5, 1705. 1 [e was called •• Mastei- Hogg." 
.Fohn was a leading nnm in the settlement, and held many 
important offices in early times. After residing upon it 
several years he sold a considerable portion of his Dun- 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 221 

barton estate to Mr. Robert Alexander, of Bedford, and 
removed to a larg-e tract of timber land Avhicli lie bad 
purchased, on Piscataquog river, in Weare, where he 
made a permanent location, and erected mills. He also 
purchased a large tract of wild land in Thornton. He 
was an active man of business, a good scholar for the 
time, and became wealthy. By the authority of a legis- 
lative act lie assumed the name of Raymond. His estate 
in "Weare is still possessed by his descendants. He was 
born October 29, 1739, and died in 1803, aged 64 years. 

The following is a copy of the record, made in the hand 
writing of his father, in the old family bible, printed in 
1734. The writer was a good penman : 

" My own birtli ami marriage; the names and ages of 
my children. 

I, myself, born September, Anno Domini 1704. I was 
married to Elizabeth Haml)leton, iSTov. 6, 1729. 

My son, Samuel Hoog, born August 13, 1730 ; my 
(laughter, Elizabeth Hoog, born April 29, 1732 ; my 
daughter, Agnes Hoog, born Sept. 2, 1734 ; my daughter, 
Anne Hoog, born July 4, 1736 ; my son, John Hoog. 
born October 29', 1739 ; my daughter, Mary Hoog, born 
May 7, 1742 ; my son, David Hoog, born March 5, 1745 : 
my son, Abasser Hoog, born May — ; my son, Caleb 
Hoog, born Kov. ye 22, 17 — . 

John Hogg and Agnes Hogg married Feb. 1!>, 1767. 
Age of their children : 

Jean Hogg was born Jan. 21, 1768 ; John Hogg was 
born June 17, 1770 ; Sarah Hogg was born May 6, 1773 ; 
Thomas Hogg was born Jul}^ 8, 1775 ; Caleb Hogg was 
born August 8, 1779 ; Jeremiah Paige Hogg was born 
March 17, 1785." 

The names of the above were by act of the legislature 
exchanged for that of Ra^'mond. 

Caleb Raymond, third son of John, senior, was an 
officer of the U. S. Xavv. He was on board the frisrate 



222 HISTORY OF DUNCARTON. 

Constitution, in the West Indies, in 1799, wlien that sliip, 
for the tirst time, failed to overliaul the iintagonist i^he 
pursued. She came in siglit of tlie French frigate " La 
Insurgonte," of 54 guns, on the 8th of Feb., 1799, and 
chased her throughout the day. Her othcers (with one 
exception), and tlie nohlc frigate herself (if her mind" 
could he judged by her after achievements), were eager 
for the contest. Her commander, however, apprehensive 
of a tornado, so common in the West India seas, ordered 
the sails to be reduced, and the French frigate escaped in 
the night. From another work we quote the following: 
'' The only events of this war (that against France, 1799, 
1800), were the two brilliant victories obtained over the 
French frigates ' Insurgente ' (Feb. 9, 17!>9), and -Ven- 
geance ' (Feb. 1, 1800), by the U. S. frigate Constellation, 
rated at 86 guns, while her antagonist's mounted more 
than iifty guns each. For the caj)tiuv of the former, 
which escaped the Constitution, the merchants of Lloyd's 
Coffee House Insurance Company presented Commodore 
Thomas Truxton a silver pitcher, with an approi)riate 
inscription, and Congress voted him a gold medal for liis 
triumph over the 'Vengeance.' " The pitcher we have 
seen in the possession of his daughter, Mrs. ^arah lien- 
bridge, of Cincinnati, Ohio. 

Lieut. Thomas Stickxkv was once a proiiiincnt person- 
age in town. TFe came hero as an agent and farmer for 
John White, Fs([., of Haverhill, who owned large tracts 
of land ill this vicinity. He (ytickney) resided many 
years on the farm now owned by Nathan and William W. 
Gutterson. in his old age he became blind, and was sup- 
ported by the town. Mis children wei'c Thomas and 
Xancy. 

Lieut. Stickiiey Avas a good horseman, and very much 
disposed to trading horses; swapping being then the term 
used in s[)cakingof such trafHc in eoinriKMi [uirlaiiee. He 
came once to a store in his vicinity, where he usually 
found a party of kindred spirits, mounted upon a tine 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTOX. 223 

horse, wliosc good points lie exliibitecl to the com})any as 
he rode about the ground near the store, and l)oasted of 
his good quaUties. One of the company, Ebenezer Chase, 
observed, " You-have a good horse, ' Uncle Stickney,' but 
I will bet a dollar Joe Ilealey can jump up behind you 
three times before you can ride to the corner" (a distance 
of fifteen rods). "I'll stand it," said Stickney. The bet 
money was placed in the hands of Col. Robert Holmes. 
Stickney dismounted and proceeded to a willow tree a few 
rods distance, and cut a switch, six feet long, which he 
triiumed out, and then remounted his hOrse. At the word 
to start, he drove his spur-rowels into the flanks of the 
horse and rode forward, swinging in rapid exercise behind 
him his long switch. The parties laughed so much at the 
turn of the joke, that the bet was almost lost. Just in 
time to save it, Joseph Ilealey stepped into the road, and 
jumped up three times. Stickney returned, claiming the 
money, but was told by the umpire that he had lost, for 
Joe Ilealey had jumped up behind him three times before 
he reached the corner. He swore roundly at what he 
called a cheat, but the matter was ended by applying the 
money in a general treat to all present. 

Most people in his time used ardent spirits. He did 
not, hovrever, desire the quantities he purchased to appear 
upon his store accounts, to be commented upon by his 
wife, and directed, after settling an account containing 
many such entries, that in future his grog charges should 
be set down as tea. When his account for next year 
exhibited such charges as, " a pint of tea," " a gallon of 
tea," &c., he declared his wife never purchased so much 
tea in all her life. He was reminded of his injunction of 
the preceding year, acknowledged the l)ill, and liberally 
treated the company, who were amused at a joke so well 
carried out. 

Thomas Hammond, from Xewburyport, was an ingeni- 
ous pump-maker. He laid down the first aqueducts in 
town. In one of them, on our farm, for a distance of 



224 HISTORY OF DUXBARTON. 

fifteen rods, the pine sapliiii;' logs are sound, and the water 
of tlie well-spring flows through tlieni. Tliey were laid 
l)v liini more than fortv-two years aii'o.* His grandson, 
Samuel I^. irainmond. \\as once colonel of the ninth regi- 
ment X. II. Militia. He has also been seleetnuni and 
moderator. 

Thomas Ilammond's ehildren : . Jonathan, 1). at Xew- 
burvport, (X't. ;">, 17114; Esther, h. at Rowley, June 28, 
177('> : John, h. at Rowley, Oct. IS, 1777: Thomas, dr.. h. 
Feb. 22, 1780 ; Natluin, b. Sept. 20, 1781 ; Susannah, b. 
July 20, 1783 ; Iluldah, b. July 1, 1785; I^hebe, b. March 
31, 1788; Mary, b. March :2l, iVlX); Nathaniel, b. Manli 4, 
1702; Timotby, b. Aug. 27, 171»7. Thomas Hammond, 
senior, died June 8, 1827, aged 80 years. 

Stephen Palmeii for many years had charge of the first 
saw-mill erected in town, by (leu. Stark (1700). He died 
at a great age. His son, Simeon, an excellent carpenter, 
rebuilt the Stark mills in ISIO, and had charge of them 
until his removal to lluadilla, Xew-^'oi'k. where he died 
a few years ago, at a good old age. 

Perlev 1^. Ray, and his l)rothei' Aaho.n, were both su- 
perior workmen as coopers. Foi- a lime, a large ])ortion of 
the casks required by tbc; 15oston fupior dealei-s and lish- 
packei's were made by tliem. They A\H're both pati'iotic, 
public-s})ii'ited, honest men. 

Joel Wjieeler was one of those Avho refused to pay the 
minister tax, and was in c-onsecpience carried to Jail. He 
Avas a tliril'ty farmer and accumulated a good estate. 
We observed, wlicn om-e engaged in taking tbe town 
inventory, that he appeared [iroiid of his liandsome stot'k 

* >Ir. Ilaimiiond oiu-c jn-opusod tn (JcuiTal Stark to rcphu'i'! in lii> inill- 
pond, by solium liydraulic cnntrivaiuc. all tin- water v/liicli ]>ass(Hl throuiijli 
tho Ljates to turn the whcfis <>i' his mill, and thus compel the water enii- 
stantly to portbrm its work. The (Jeiieral replied that it' -luh a jn-ojeel 
vfiin possible, " lie had no desire to make a slave of the water." 



HISTORY OP DUNBARTON. 225 

of cattle, and was desirous that tliey sliould be appraised 
at their full value. His son, JSTathaniel H. Wheeler, now 
occupies the land cultivated by his industrious father. He 
has served several times as selectman, and twice been 
elected to the legislature. 

Joi»'ATHA*r Ireland, Esq., came to this town more than 
forty years ago. He was a blacksmith, but carried on a 
large farm ; was a superior agriculturist, and a man of 
intelligence. His son Jonathan now occupies his recent 
homestead. Mr. Ireland was born at Salem, ^Fass., and 
died December 29, 1854, aged S-i years and T months. 

KoBERT and Ebenezer CHAiSE, sons of Colonel Samuel 
Chase, of Litchfield, settled in this town several y^ars 
prior to 1800. iR,obert was a hard-working man and good 
farmer. His large famih' of sons and daughters, as they 
came upon the stage of action, with great industry 
assisted his exertions. He sold his farm, in 1886, to Mr. 
Job Rowell. His fam'ily all made out well. One of his 
sons, Thomas, is reputed a wealthy citizen of Xashua. 
Mr. Robert Chase held several town ofhces. He died in 
1839. 

Ebenezer Chase, l)rother of the foregoing, settled here 
more than sixt}' years ago. He covenanted with Samuel 
Stewart to carry on the farm of the latter, for one half 
of the annual produce, during the joint and several lives 
of Stewart and his wife, after whose decease the land was 
to become his own, or that of his heirs. He established 
in the vicinity a blacksmith's shop, and conducted an ex- 
tensive bttsiness in window-springs, locks, hammers and 
edge tools, beside })erforming the custom work of the 
surrounding inhabitants. His w^ife was a daughter of 
Captain John Parker, of revolutionary memory. He was 
well-informed, good-humored, and hospitable. He pos- 
sessed a fund of anecdotes to amuse his customers. In 
those days stores, mills and smith shops were the princi- 
pal depots of news and country gossip. His house has 



226 UISTORY OF BUXBARTOX. 

been the scene of many ii conntry ball, and we liave no 
doubt the jiartieipatoi-.s tlierein enjoyed as much pleasure 
as falls to the lot of Terpsicore's votaries in the more 
fashionable saloons of modern times. 

Ml'. (Miase was several times api)ointed to toAvn olHces 
and coiumittees. lie died September 21, 18-31, aged 68 
yeai's. His sons were all ingenious machinists. John 
is pi'obably the ablest projecting engiiu't'r for manufactur- 
ing establishments in Xew-England. In that (.-apacity he 
has been employed in all sections of our country. lie 
has acquired a fortune by his own abilities and exertions, 
and resides at Chicopcc, Mass. The Stewart farm now 
belongs to John ('. liay, grandst)n of Mr. Chase, lie has 
l)een several years one of the selectmen, and twice re- 
turned to tlie Legislature. 

Mr. Chase at the age of eighteen was a volunteer in the 
Xew-IIampshire brigade, at West I*oint, in 1780, and a 
few weeks l)efore liis death related to the writer the fol- 
lowing incidents relative to General Arnold, who in that 
yeai- deserted the cause of his country. Mr. Chase, with 
other soldiers not on duty, was on the shore of the Hud- 
son when the desertion took place. When (Tcneral "Wash- 
ington assigned to Arnold the eommand of West Point, 
he left his own barge, for his convenience in visiting the 
fortress from his heachjuarters, at llobinson's farm. A 
tempoi'ary hut had been erected near the I'ivcf bank, for 
the aeeonimodation of the four oarsmen who managed the 
boat. On the morning of his tliglit Arnold rode down 
to the shore very fiist, as was his usual manner of riding, 
threw the reins to his attending orderly, and ordered the 
)>arge to be manned. He directed the men to steer for 
West J*oint, but on reaching the middle of the river the 
1)oat was o])served to tui-n its course down stream, and 
movt! very swiftly through the water. The matter was 
ex|)lained l)y the returning boaluien. He hoisted a ilag 
of truce, and ordered them to pull for the X'ulture, sloop- 
of-v,-ar, then lying at anchor below, saying something of 
negotiating an exchange of prisoners, and proniised, if 



HISTORY OP DUNBARTON. 227 

they would row him down to her as soon as possible, to 
reward each of tliem with a guinea and a gaUon of rum. 
When they arrived under the guns of the Vulture he 
disclosed his design, saying : "I have served the ungrate- 
ful scoundrels long enough;" and declared to the men 
that if they would go ovei' with him they should have 
dou})le }>ay and the rank of sergeants. One of them 
observed that "he did not undi-rstand lighting on both 
sides ;" to which his comrades signified their assent. 
"Then," said Arnold, "you are prisoners of war." He 
ascended the deck, and was received by the marines with 
presented arms. lie ordered the oarsmen to come on 
board, and they obeyed. One of them said, " it was a 
shabby trick, after they had toiled to the utmost of their 
strength to get the boat along, to refuse the promised 
reward and make them prisoners to boot." The English 
captain heard their murmurs, and stepping forward ob- 
served: "General, I command this ship, and, while I 
walk the cpiarter deck, no such transaction shall take 
place." Addressing the men he said, " My good fellows, 
T respect your fidelity to 3'our country, although you are 
enemies to your king. You are at liberty to go or stay, 
as you please. Plere," taking them from his purse, "are 
your guineas. Steward ! put up four gallons of rum for 
these men." The boatmen thanked the generous sailor, 
and returned to report their adventure to General Wash- 
ington, who had just arrived in camp. Arnold, in rage 
and chagrin, retired, without a word, to the cabin. 

After his discharge from service, Mr. Chase, with his 
knapsack, canteen and cartridge box (his private property), 
upon his person, in company with several militia men, 
started for home, on foot, from AVest Point. Some cause 
of delay detained Chase a short time behind the others, 
and while he was hurrying on to overtake his party, then 
out of sight, he passed in the road tAvo soldiers of the 
Continental Army. The troops of the line generally 
considered the militia as their inferiors, and seldom 
allowed an opportunity to insult and ridicule them to 



228 HISTORY OF dunbarton. 

]niss uiiimprovod. One of the two, in this instance, said 
to his comrade, as Cliase passed them: " Tliat is a likely 
yoiiug-ster — I woinKr if he has ^-ot any s]Mink." '• Pull liis 
ears," replied the other, " and we shall iind out." Chase, 
npon hearinti' this, seized liis eartrido-e l)o\ helt Avith hoth 
liands, and moved on slowly. He heard tlu- footsteps of 
the man advancing behind him, to execute his intended 
practical joke. AVhen he judged the soldier was sufticiently 
near for eii'ect, his cartridge box was suddenly swung 
round with such force, that the blow received by the man 
behind him, on the side of his head, felled liim senseless 
to the ground. Thinking he had killed liim, Oluise tied 
to overtake his Iriends, to whom he did not dare to men- 
tion the circumstance; nor did he evei* tell of it, until 
many years afterward, when a witness at xVmherst court. 
AVhilc with a conijiany, sitting ai'ound an I'vening iiri.' in 
a tavern bar-room, relating stories, he told his adventure. 
A man sitting near him, whom he had known several 
yeai's, exclaimed, "• Was that you. Chase ? Well, it took 
me sevend days to get over the eifects of tliat blow ; but 
I learned, a good lesson — never to meddle with a stranger 
who did not offer to mechlle with me. 1 "11 stand treat for 
the whole company." 

Ebenezer Chase died September ,21, 1831, aged 68. 
Agnes, his wife, died Fe])ruary 18, 1839, aged 77. Their 
children were: Xancy, b. Dec. 1, 1780 ; John, b. August, 
1788; [Samuel Stewart, died an infant, 1790; Polly and 
Esther, b. May. 14, 1792; Sabra, b. Mareli 17, 1794;"^ Han- 
nah, b. dan. 9, 1796; Simeon, I). Oct. 18, 1798; male 
infiint, died witbout a name; Cahin, b. Feb. 7. 1802. 

Several famiru-s named Perkins were formerly consid- 
erable |)eo|de in this Town, but, with their descendants, 
have mostly disap})eared. A similar observation will 
apply to many others whose names a|>]tear in the eai'ly 
records. The names of Coll»y, Emerson. Annis, Elliot, 
Iladk'V, Wheelci-, Ordway, W'orthly, and others, are of 
fre([uent and fnniliar (tiH-ui-rcnce in the south-castei-n part 
of the town. 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 229 

111 that quarter, John Page owns the tliird or fourth 
mill erected in this town. His son, John l*agx', Jr., re- 
sides on tlie farm of the late llev. Walter Harris. 

William Smith occupied land in the valley, nearly 
a mile south-east of the meeting-house. His children, 
Archibald and Sarah, are still living. 

Captain David McGregors occupied for several years 
lot 'No. 14, in the second range, which passed from him 
to 8. Palmer, and has since been owned by Messrs. Straw, 
Copp, Smith, Oil ley, and Baker, the present occupant. 

David Story, Esq., from Ipswich, Mass., (son of David 
Story, of that place), ^vas well known in the early aftairs 
of this town as a person of probity and respectable abili- 
ties. He for several years represented the classed towns 
of Bow and Dunbarton, and was the first representative 
elected by the latter town in a separate capacity. He 
filled several other otfices, and faithfully discharged his 
duty in them all. He was seventeen times moderator, 
eleven years town-clerk, six years a selectman, and six 
times elected representative. He died March 20, 1834, 
aged 88. His son Warren was also engaged in public 
life as representative, selectman, and colonel of the ninth 
regiment ]S'ew-Hampshire Militia. He was, in the prime 
of life, unfortunately killed by the kick of a horse. One 
of his sons, David, now worthily occupies the estate of his 
father and grandfather. Another son, Dr. Al}raham, 
resides in Weare. The youngest son. La Fayette Story, 
has for several years been a resident of California. Abra- 
ham B., son of David Story, senior, was educated at 
Dartmouth College, and settled as an attorney-at-law at 
Washington, IST. H. 

Family Becord. — David Story, Jr., b. August 21, 1771, 
(Ipswich) ; Thankful, b. June 17, 1773, (Ipswich) ; Abigail, 
b. (Dunbarton), March 8, 1775 ; Abraham B., b. March 
22, 1777 ; Susannah, b. April 17, 1779 ; Sarah, b. April 14, 



230 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON, 

1781 ; Warren, }). -luiic 2(5, 1783; Lois, b. Xovcmber 21, 
1785. Children of Daniel and Ruth Story : lluth, b. 
Aug'ust 30, 1773, at Chebaeco, Ipswieh, Mass. ; Sally, b. 
Mareh 21, 177G ; Betsey, b. .Iniie 30, 1778; Daniel, b. 
September 13, 1780; M\)lly B., b. Mareb G, 1785; Lucy, 
b. October 14, 1787 ; Tlumkrul, b. .lune 15, 171)1. 

Alkxandkr Gilchrist, t'rotn Uoftstown, was a good i'ar- 
nier, and an upright, obliging man, wlio died respected by 
all who knew him. lie purcbased the Tarm ofdohn Stinson, 
2d, where be resided nntil bis death. Tbe farm is now 
the proj>erty of Israel Straw, who is an iiubistrions far- 
'mcr, as well as a liberal-ndnded citizeiK 

Tristram Barnard served in tbe ranger corps, and was 
an otiicer of tbe Ilevolution. His grandsons, Reuben and 
Isaac Barnard, were botli bard-working, industrious, hon- 
est men. 



DOCTOR SAMTEL FLAGG. 

Most persons of middle age in this vicinity may recol- 
lect that eccentric itinerant physician. Dr. Samuel Flagg, 
who, although not a native of Dunbarton, selected that, 
and several adjacent towns, for tbe principal scenes of his 
peregrinations for numy years, through which he traveled 
on foot, with his pilgrim staiV in his hand, and a small 
pair (if saddle-bags, conttiining his stock of medicine, 
slung upon his shoulders, lie had acquired a good Eng- 
lish education, and a tolerable knowledge of Latin. lie 
studied for a time with an eminent physician of Salem, 
Mass. 

His father intended that he should be^'ome a taih)r, but 
his disdain for the occujiation, the iiudtentive manner in 
which he received his instructions, and the careless indif- 
ference with which be executed them, soon procured his 
discharge as an unprofitable apprentice. He wrote a ditty 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 231 

upon the occasion of his return from the sliop bench, of 
which we remember two lincR : 

" Samuel Flagg was sucli a blade 

He would jiot learn the tailor's trade." 

lie was not a surgeon, l)nt an excellent practitioner in 
cases of wounds, chronic diseases, ulcers, fever sores, 
fevers, and other complaints common in every commu- 
nity. His remedies and applications were generally of a 
simple nature; although he was well acquainted with the 
action of the most powerful medicines. Of these he oc- 
casionally made use, but with prudence and skill. He 
prepared various ointments and salves, of which roots and 
herbs were ingredients. The success attending their ap- 
plication was well known in the region over which he 
wandered. Had he left behind him recipes for all his 
prescriptions and appliances, we believe they would have 
proved of more value to the community than all the pa- 
tent commodities which have been crowded upon public 
credulity since the establishment of the United States 
Patent OfHce. 

His habits, in the latter poi'tion of his life, were some- 
what intemperate, yet he was generally received with 
kindness and hospitality Avherever he came. If treated 
otherwise, his memory was tenacious of the afiront, and 
no entreaties, until due reparation was made, could in- 
duce him again to relieve by his skill the meml)ers of 
any family from which he had received cause of otience. 
While under the influence of liquor he would never pre- 
scribe for a patient, hut could easily be persuaded to lie 
down and sleep a few hours, wlien he would recover his 
equanimity and attend to the case. Those who were able 
and so disposed paid him for his services, almost as they 
pleased. His demands were very moderate, compared 
with the overgrown bills made up by the medical riders 
of the present steam-driven era. His food and lodgings 
were free, his clothing was sometimes furnished as gifts 
from friends, and a little cash sufficed to supply his sad- 



T-j1 HI.'^TORY or DUN BARTON. 

<llc-l)aii'8 witli incMlic'iiU'. Tlie poor rcjiaid liis tittoiitioii;^ 
with tlumks and l»k'ssiii<;-s. 

Our tirst (listiiict recollection of Dr. Flagg was on the 
(lay ot' the great eclipse, in 1806, when we were l)y liini 
led l>v the hand as a child, to Stark's mill })on(l. The 
phenonu-non occunvd wliik' wc I'cmained there, and is 
the earliest prominent event in our memory. 

The Doctor once went to Hanover, to visit Dr. Nathan 
Smith, already l)ecome celebrated as a surgeon and phy- 
sician, by whom he was kindly received. They conversed 
u[»()U professional subjects, and Dr. Smith afterwards 
sj)()kc of liini as a person well versed in medical science. 

The society of Shakers, at Enlield, wislied him to reside 
with them as their permanent physician. He spent several 
winters with them. In the winter or spring of 1817-18 
iie was found dead l)y the road side l)etween theii- vil- 
lages, lie was su[)posed to l)e 77 years of age. 

. James McCalley, a well known agent in promoting tlie 
progress of this town, died Januarv 24, 1812, as-ed QQ. 
His son .James was a worthy man, and an undeviating 
(U-mocratic repul)lican. 

(Miildren of James McCalley, Sen.: Mary, b. July 20, 
1777: Alexander, b. January 27, 1782; Thomas, b. Jnly 
21 >, 17'S-l: : Charles, b. No^•cmber 25, 1786 ; James, b. Xo- 
veml)cr :}<), 1700; Hugh, b. August 20, 1708. 

Daxfel Kimbai-e, once the }iro})rietor of Woodbury's, or 
Kimball's juills, died August o, 182."), at an advanced age. 

Samuee Stewart brought with him to this place a very 
considerable property. In 177') he was chosen town 
treasurer, being the first elected under the charter; the 
selectmen having, prior to that, performed the duties of 
that ofHce. He was succeeded by James Clement, in 1781. 
He conveyed his farm, conditionally, to Ebenezer Chase, 
reserving one half of the produce during the joint and 
several lives of himself and his wife, Agnes. The hitter 
survived Mr. Chase. She died in 1835-6, aged 93. 



HISTORY OF DIINBARTON, 233 

A\niilo making a line fence, with other persons, Stewart 
t)bscrved a large hear passing a cleared place near them, 
and gave chase in advance of the others, crying ont that 
he \vould " draw the iirst blood and have the hear." lie 
came up behind the animal, and struck his axe into his 
back. The animal turned l^ackward, and grasped Stew- 
art in his rough embrace, whom he hugged and severely 
wounded. As closeh' locked together, the " unloving cou- 
ple" rolled doAvn a small declivity in front. The party 
coming up despatched the bear, and conveyed Stewart, 
with his prize, home upon a sled. 

Mr. Stewart was, at times, generous and obliging ; at 
others, a perfect savage. He owned a tine lot of cherry 
trees, several of which he carefully watched until the 
fruit was perfectly ripe, when all in the vicinity were in- 
vited to the feast. His land being contiguous to that of 
John Hogg, Esq., (afterwards Raymond) the two proprie- 
tors Avere constantly at war. Their disputes were often 
carried to court, and hio-li words and violence o-enerallv 
attended their meetings. At the funeral of ]\Ir. Ray- 
mond, Stewart took a position near a door, fronting the 
cofiin of his former antagonist, where, during the service, 
he stood nodding his head, looking steadily at the coffin. 
In the course of a fortnight afterward he was borne to 
his own long home, in the same burial ground. He died 
in 1803, aged 68 years. 

He employed upon his farm three youths, whom, by 
fear, threats, and other intluences, he compelled to 
swear to any story he should dictate to them, that might 
enable him to avoid legal punishment for his many acts 
of malice and violence. By these means he triumphed 
over Raymond in every legal contest whatever. Mr. 
William Leach, one of his boys, when he became of age 
gave a deposition which eventually restored Raymond 
to his rights at law, and enabled him to recover all he had 
lost by false testimonv. 
16 



234 HISTORY OF DUXBAIITOX. 

THE lUniNllAM FAMILY. 

A stone in the central cemetery of Dunbarton l)ear> 
the followinu- inscription : 

" Mrs, llaiuiah IJuriihain 

Died March 1, 181)5; 

lielict of Lieut. Nathan Burnhaui, of Ipswich, Massachusetts, 

who fell at the defeat of the IJritish army 

at Tic'onderoga, A. T). 17o8." 

From an cxamimition of several papers now in tlic pos- 
session of Jolm IJnrnliani, Ks(|., of this to\vn, we infer 
that his great-grandfalher, Nathan Hnrnham, was an inde- 
pendent Inishandman, a nuui of intelliu'ence and ca}»acity, 
who possessed the contidence of liis fellow-citizens, as 
also that of the provincial o-overnment. V>y the former 
he was intrnsted with the manag-ement of important 
transactions, and hy the latter ajijiointed to a military 
ofhcc, npon eqnal rank with otticers of the same* grade in 
the line of the Eno'lish army. His wife was Hannah 
Choate, of Ipswich. 

On the thirteenth day of March, 1758, he was commis- 
sioned hy Governor Pownall first lientenant of a com- 
pany of foot, commanded hy Captain Ste[)hcn Whi}iple. 
in the reo-inient of Col. Stephen Bagley, which consti- 
tnted a })ortion of the foi"ce fnrnished hy Massachusetts 
for the expedition against (Canada. Lieutenants Bni-nham 
and Ijow, of the same company, iell in the i'atal attack 
•upo)i Ticonderoga, July 8, 1758, where an army of sixteen, 
thousand liritish and Provincial troops were shanuduily 
repulsed hy one foui'th of their nunilier of French and 
Imlians, through the incapacity of their general. Sixteen 
hundred and eight regulars and three hundred and thirty- 
four jirovincials, killed and wounded, was a cruel }>cnalty 
for General Al)ercrombie's rash attempt to carry hy as- 
sault a strong position, without bringing u[» his artillery, 
of which he had a good supply. 

Anuuig the papers in Mr. John J>nrnham's possession 
are Governor Pownall's proclanuUion calling for volun- 
teers from the provincial regiments, Lieut. Burnham's 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 235 

commission, 1)eating orders, forms of enlistment, orders 
to muster, words of command for tlie musket drill, order 
for the march, power-of-attorney to Lieut. B.'s wife to 
manage affairs during his absence on duty, a kind letter 
to her while on the march, and, lastly, the letter of u 
friendly comrade from the battle-tield, narrating the mel- 
ancholy late of her dearest friend — a fate which it has 
been the sad fortune of widows to hear since the time 
when man became the murderer of his Ijrother man. 

Yet shall memory mourn the day, 

"When, with expectation pale, 
Of her soldier far away, 

The poor widow hears the talc. 

In imagination wild, 

She shall wander o'er this plain. 
Rave, and bid her orphan child 

Seek his sire among the slain. 

Gashed with lionorahle scars. 

Low in glory's lap thej^ lie ; 
Though they fell like stars. 

Streaming splendor through the sky. 

From the dust their laurels bloom, 

High they shoot and flourish free ; 
Glory's temple is the tomb ! 

Death is immortality ! 

MOXTGOMERY. 



Hadley, June 7, 1758. 

To MY DEARLY BELOVED WiFE : 

I hope, through Divine goodness, you are in health, as 
I am at this time, and I pray God be with you, and pre- 
serve you and our dear children from all evil. ]My duty 
to mother Choate. My love to all my friends. We came 
into town last Sabbath day, about two o'clock, and billeted 
the company at private houses, and we are very kindly 
entertained at the widow Porter's. Her husband was a 



236 HISTORY OF BrXBARTON. 

iiienibcr of the General Court about tliirty years. Yes- 
terday the Captain, I, and Lieut. Low, went over Connec- 
tieut river to Xortllampton, to sec about the aftair, and 
returned at ni<;-ht. AVe expect to go over to Xortli- 
ampton to-morrow, to take seven days' provisions, to 
march near to Albany. 

1 remain your lovinii,- husband, 

Xatiiax Bukxham. 

P. S. — I should be li'lad to hear i'rom you. I have had 
blisters on one foot, but they are better. Col. ihigley 
came to town yesterday. Col. Dooty's i-egiment is com- 
ing in, and it is sujtposed both regiments are to march to- 
gether. We have twelve of our own guns, and had 
twentj'-two at A\^orcester, and other companies are much 
so. It is supposed there is no great danger. The arms 
are at Albany. 

Directed, "To Xathan Uundiam, of Chebacco, in Ips- 
wich." 

Mrs. Burxiiam : T send you these lines to let you know 
the heavy ncAVS that you have to hear from the cam}), and 
I pray God give you grace and strength to hold up 
under such heavy tidings. The truth is, your ]iusl)and, 
our lieutenant, Xathan ]>undiam, l>eing in the fight at the 
narrows of Ticonderoga, July the 8th, 1758, received a ball 
in the bowels, which i)ro\-ed mortal. lie came to me and told 
nie that he Avas wounded, and that he should soon be in 
eternity. I desired him to retreat down the hill. I followed 
liim, and found some help to cai-ry him off the ground, 
namely, James Andrews, . I olni Foster and deieniiali Ihirn- 
liam. We t-arried him that night four miles to our boats. 
The doctor did Avhat he could, but vain A\as the help of 
man. Xext day, heing the ninth d:iy upon our jiassage 
up the lake, about eleveji o'clock, aftiM- many heaveidy 
expressions and prayers, he departed this life, and, I be- 
lieve, made a good exchange. Please tell Mrs. Low the 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTOX. 237 

same heavy news. Steplicu Low, l)ciiig in the same fight, 
was, without doubt, shot dead on the spot. We had not 
the opportunity to bring oft' our dead. 

Xehemiaii IjURNHAM. 

Lieutenant Buruliaiu desired me to take care of some 
things tliat he had with him, which I will do in the best 
manner I can. Our Capt. Whipple is wounded in his left 
thigli. I hope he will soon be about again. 

Asa Burnham, one of the children of the preceding, 
born in Ipswich in 1753, probably removed to this town 
with his widowed mother several years prior to the Revo- 
lution. Lie married Elizabeth, daughter of John Cutler, 
who, ninety-six years ago (about 1764), settled npon the 
farm now the residence of David Storj" ; his daughter 
being then twelve years of age. 

Inheriting property from his father, Mr. Burnham pur- 
chased a large farm, which he industriously cultivated. 
and became one of the most wealthy and respectable 
farmers in the vicinity. His name is first mentioned as 
selectman in 1789. He was, in 1790, collector, and often 
afterward elected to responsible ofiices and committees 
on town affiiirs. Possessing resolution and decision of 
character, he exercised -an extensive influence over the 
inhabitants and attairs of this town. High spirited, libe- 
ral minded, and firm in his principles, he was honored by 
his political friends ; while his integrity and distinctly 
avowed sentiments commanded the respect of his oppo- 
nents. He was popular in the generation in which he 
lived, as is also his memory with all dwellers in his vicin- 
age, who respect the princi[)les nobly sustained by their 
rep ubl i can fo refath e r . 

Mr. Burnham strenuously opposed tlie compulsory pro- 
ceediugs instituted against those who refused to pay the 
minister tax. His projjcrty, with that of other individ- 
uals, was distrained, and the tax levied, to be refunded, 
with cost, at a future (hu'. 



238 HISTORY OF DUNBAHTOX. 

Mr. Buniliaui, with se\'cn otlicr individuals (bcforo 
mentioned), voted for Jefferson electors in 179G, and he 
supiJorted tlie ])enioeratie Kepuhliean administrations of 
liis country until his decease, January :27, 1831, aj^a'd 79 
years. 

Besides the foreo-oinu', the records exliibit, anionu' the 
early settlers of this to\vn, four other heads of families 
named liurnham, viz : Abraham, John, Xathan and 
Samuel. Four sons of Samuel ^-radnatcd at Dartmouth 
(\)llei>-e. They were Samuel, John, Abraham and Amos 
Wood lUirnham. Abraham was pastor of the church at 
Pembroke. Amos was the first prece})tor of JV-mbroke 
Academy, and is now the settled cleru'yman of iJimluH'. 
Bradford l>urnliam, his l)rother, is a respectable and ex- 
perienced farmer in this town. TTis son Abraham u'radu- 
ated at Dartmouth Colleg-e. His sons, Henry I^. and Wil- 
liam B., have l)oth held town otHces creditably to tlu'in- 
selves. The former is an experienced teacher, and also 
an expert surx'eyor. lie has the present year been elected 
one of tlie three t-ounty commissiouei's. 

FamUij Jhcords. — Al)raham Buridunn and Mary Per- 
kins were nnirried February 11, 1702. Their children 
were: Betty, b. (at Tlauipstead) Ahiy 27, 17()o; Hannah, 
b. August 2(J, 176.>; Abrahaui, Jr., b. October it, 1707; 
llannali, b. October 7. 17()i'; Abraham, 3d, b. September 
23, 1771 : Molly, b. July lO. 1773: Thankful, b. ,inly 13, 
177'). Abi'aham l'>urnham, scnii)r. died July 11', 1S14, 
aii:ed 72. 

Samuel Burnliam was nuirried to ^Lary J'ei'kins, Xo- 
vend)er 27, 1700. Children: Samuel, b. (Ipswich) Aua-ust 
30, 1707 ; Jacob Perkins, b. (Ijiswic-h) July o. 1709; WW- 
liam, b. September 22, 1771 : Klizabetli, b. October 4, 
1773; Abi-aham, b. X()vend>er 2.'), 177-"): Mai-y, 1). Au- 
gust 27, 1777: John, b. Septeudter 11. 1779; Sarah and 
Susannah, b. December ^JO, 17S2; Mai'tha and llannali 
ii., b. July 11, 17So: P>radfor(l, b. February 14, 17^8; 
Amos W(.(m1. b. Au--ust 1, 1791. 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 239 

Joliii Barnham's Children : John, Jr., h. (Ipswicli) De- 
. 'ember 22, 1777; Sally, b. (Ipswich) April 11, 1780; 
Daniel, (Dunbarton) b. April 26, 1782 ; William A., b. 
July 2, 1784; Curtis, b. October 8, 1786 ; Kuhammali, b. 
May 3, 1794 ; Harriet, 1). March 7, 1797 ; Rodney, b. 
April 17, 1800. 

Children of Capi. Nathan"^ eiud Htinnah Barnham : Han 
nah, 1). (Ipswich) Dccemlier 26, 1768 ; 8alh', b. June 6, 
1771 ; Susannah, b. February 12, 1774; Nathan, b. Octo- 
ber 30, 1774; Benjamin, b. December 16, 1776 ; Francis, 
b. January 18, 1779 ; 'Fanny, b. September 2, 1780 ; Enocli, 
b. March'^26, 1784; Niram, b. May 14, 1786; Betty, b. 
August 23, 1788 ; Tommy, b. July 30, 1791 ; Thomas, 
b. July 29, 1793. 

Abraham Burnhani is mentioned in the town record as 
one of the Committee of Safety, 1776. Xathaniel and 
Samuel, also, are recorded as town officers. The Burn- 
ham family came from Ipswich and its vicinity. 

Daxiel Jameson v\'as the son of Hugh Jameson, whose 
name appears in the record as constable in 1767. He held 
other offices. The subject of this notice was born Feb- 
ruary 25, 1762. He was a person of much ability, as also 
capacit}' for business, and satisfactorily discharged the 
duties of several important stations, from 1787 until 1814. 
He was representative, town-clerk and selectman, hold- 
ing the two latter offices at the time of his decease, in 
July, 1814. That he was a good scholar, peiDuan, and 
man of business, the offices he at times held, and his 
records as town-clerk, attbrd ample testimony. He was 
elected selectman iu 1787, and toAvn-clcrk in 1799, and 
for several years held both offices. He was elected repre- 
sentative in 1813. He died July 9, 1814, aged 52 years 
and 4 months. He Avas representative two years, select- 
nnin seven years, and town-clerk nine years. 

''^ Capt. Nathan Buriiliain was tlio son of Lieut. Nathan Burnham, who 
waskillod at Ticonderoija iu 1758. He was a Lrother of Asa Burnham. 



240 " HISTORY OF DUNBAIITOX. 

( )ii iK'Coniit of liis (loeoase a special meeting was 
warned on the ]8tli of 'Inly, 1814, Avliieh assembled on 
the 3d of August, when John (Jould was chosen clerk^ 
and John Stinson selectman, to till the vacancies occa- 
sioned l>v liis death. 

Famibi Jiccord. — Daniel Jameson and llannalt lUirnham 
were nnirried ()ctol)er 7, 1788. Betsey l>urnliam Jame- 
son, b. August 1, 1789 ; VQi^gy, b. :^Iai-ch 17, 1701 ; died 
February 25, 1792 ; Abraham B., b. March 21, 1793 ; 
Daniel,!). April 29,1790: Molly, b. October 20,1796; 
Thankful Cahlwell, b. July 26, 1798; Hannah, b. June 
22, 1800; Jonas Hastings', b. May 25, 1804; Jemima 
Harris, b. Xovember 19, 1806 ; Jane, b. Ot'tol)er 30, 1808 ; 
Hugh, b. August 4, 1811. 

Samuel Klmball is one of the best master carpenters 
in the vicinity, and a veiy intelligent, respectaljle man. 
His son CiiAiiLES is now town-clerk, and we are under 
obligations to him for thi' free access he has altbrded to 
the town records, in furtherance of our present under- 
taking. 

Jauk!) FiLLKn, hitely deceased, was ait ingenious ])lack- 
smith, as well as an esteemed towiismaii. He resided on 
the place formerly owned by Samuel !\M-kins. 

Not far from Mr. Fuller ont-e !i\iHl Dca. Joiix AVilson. 
if an honest nnin ever lived in this world, he was one. 
His descendants are also honest and upright people. 

Children of John aod Anna ^ydsun : Polly, b. July 2!), 
1796 ; John, b. February 24, 179'J ; Eliza, b. May 6, 1809: 
Abby, b. May 2, 1803; Tlumias, I). October 19, 1805: 
Abel Kind)all, b. January 11, 1808 ; Anna, b. February 
14, 1811; Lewis, b. June 17, 1813: \V:iltrr Harris, b. 
February 17, 1817 ; Leonard, b. March 11, 1S19: Louisa 
Maria, li. January H;, 1822. 

Lieut. Tlaiothy Ladd was a Avorthy man, but unfortu- 
nate in the circumstance of having several of his family 



HISTORY OP DUN BARTON. 241 

deranged. He died March IG, 1808, aged 57. His children 
were: Polly, b. January 13, 1777 (at Windliani) ; Heman, 
b. November 24, 1778 (at AYindham) ; llachel, b. June 9, 
1780 (at A\^indham) ; John, b. August 9, 1783 (at Wind- 
ham) ; Hannah, b. May 7, 1787; James, b. March 1, 1789 ; 
Bill Ladd, b. July 13, 1791 ; Fanny, b. May 27, 1795 ; 
Sally, b. June 7, 1797. 

James Clement was one of the five surveyors of high- 
ways chosen at the first meeting held under the cliarter, 
September 3, 1765. In 1774 he was chosen town-clerk, 
and at different periods selectman, treasurer and repre- 
sentative. His son James pacticed as a physician. Luther 
and Ephraim S., sons of the Doctor, are still residents of 
this town. The latter lost a son in the Mexican war. 

Family Record. — James Clement, b. April y^ 2, 1737 ; 
Elizabeth Little, b. March y<^ 1, 1744 ; married Ivlay 4, 
1762. Children: Jonathan, b. March 13, 1763; died 
March 20, 1765 ; Thomas, b. I^Tov. 5, 1764 ; James (Dr.), 
b. May 11, 1768 ; Molly, b. July 1, .1771 ; Margaret, b. 
December 7, 1773 ; Alice, b. April — , 1776 ; Tristram, b. 
August 30, 1778; Walter, b. March 8, 1781; Betty, b. 
July 18, 1784 ; Fanny, b. May 11, 1787. James Clement, 
senior (deacon), died February 3, 1812, aged 75. 

John Holmes was chosen tythingman, tlie only one, at 
the first meeting held under the charter, and served after- 
ward in other capacities. His son Charles became a 
wealthy merchant in Boston. Eobert served in several 
town oflSces. He was in 1811 colonel of the ninth regi- 
ment N. H. Militia, and Avas a good officer. His son, 
Capt. Charles Holmes, now resides upon the homestead. 

Record. — John Holmes and ISIary McCalley married 
October 31, 1759. Children : William, b. (at Goffstown) 
July 28, 1760 ; Mary, h. June 17, 1762 ; Robert, b. March 
5, 1766 ; Charles McCalley, b. August 30, 1767 ; Betty, 
b. April 15, 1769 ; John. b. iSTovember 8, 1771 ; Abram, 
b. May 15, 1772 ; Alexander, b. February 17, 1774 ; Peggy, 



242 HISTORY OF dunbarton. 

I). Jaiiuiii-y 4. 177G ; M;iii]i;i, b. Xovciuber 2-t, 1777 ; 
Anna, b. Xovemlier 24, 1777. John Ilobnes, senior, died 
May 1, 1804, aged 73. C'ul. Robert llohncs died Febru- 
ary 28, 1850, in the 84tb year of his age. 

Ca]>t. Oliver Bailey, son of Oliver I'ailey, from Eng- 
hmd, Avas a slirewd, liard-working, niind-liis-own-business 
sort of a nuin, avIio eonsidered the eultivation of liis 
acres, the care of liis flocks, lierds, and loans, of more 
importance than olHces. lie accpiired a large estate, and 
died at the age of 82. 

His son, Oliver 1)AILEY, Jr., is a thri\ing farmer, and 
possessed of a liandsome estate. He has,\\ithin twt) years, 
removed to IJow. His sons, Oliver and James, occu}»y 
liis former estate in I)unl)arton. They are enterprising 
men.''' His son Mark was educated at Dartmouth, and 
is now })rofessor of rhetoric at Yale Oollege. 

JosiAii Bailey, In'otlier of the above, and also a farmei-, 
died a few years ago. Ilis children vei-e two sons and 
one daughter. The latter is the wife of Henry L. ]>urn- 
ham, Ks(p His sons were El)enezer and Daniel. The 
former, a young num of miu-h promise, one of the most 
ingenious and industrious of our townsmen, was struck 
down, in the morning of lite, l)y one of those terrible 
accidents, which, since the intro(hietion of railroads, are 
common ocenrrences in this eounti'v. hi the disaster on 
the Boston and Maine Btiiiroad, in whieli the duiy son of 
the J 'resident elect of the I'nited States, with other indi- 
viduals, lost their lives, Mr. Bailey was so severely injured 
that he survived but a short time. His enterprise, useful- 
ness, and amiable ((ualities, eaused his untimely fate to be 
deeply deplored by all wlio knew him. 

"•■"()ii tlicir estate are still to hv seen several cellars <it" the houses erected 
Ly the early s^'ttlers, — rutiiey, ]voi;crs, and those who joined their settle- 
ment. On part of the i^round they chared a considerable forest of timber 
is now srowini;, and liio apple-trees which wore by them jdanted, after the 
year 174(1, ;ire also to be seen umonn' the fort'st trees which have grown up 
since they were set there. One of the pines un the lot is three feet in 
diameter. 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 243 

EzEKiEL and Samuel Ryder, sons of Ebenezer Ryder, 
have ever been considered thrifty farmers and respectable 
citizens, Ezekiel is still living. His son Charles has 
filled responsil)le offices in town. Another son is a re- 
spectable physician at Portsmouth, X. II. 

Famih) Record. — Children of Ebenezer and Abigail Ry- 
der : Polly, b. Dec. 10, 1776 ; Mary, b. March 21, 1778 ; 
John, b. Nov. 21, 1779; Hannah, b. June 9, 1782; Eze- 
kiel, b. Feb. 25, 1785 ; Ebenezer, jr., b. Nov. 9, 1786 ; 
Jotham, b. Sept. 9, 1788; Isaiah, b. Oct. 25, 1790; Sam- 
uel, b. Sept. 16, 1792; Nabl)y, b. July 11, 1794; Thank- 
ful, b. April 15, 1796. 

Mr. Challis Fitz occupies and owns the farm on the 
Page road, once the property of John Leach. He is a 
worthy, industrious man, who attends to his own aft'airs 
without interfering with those of others, or troubling him- 
self with that most unprofitable of all employments — oflice 
seeking — bilt is a man of firm principles and a good 
citizen. 

Georue Cunningham, although a resident of Goftstown, 
was, with his wife, a member of Mr. Harris's church, and 
were, with several of their children, buried in the grave- 
yard near Dunbarton "old meeting-house." The first 
stone in the yard, with an inscription, is to the A'oungest 
son of Mr. Cunningham, in 1794. 

Familij Record. — George Cunningham, b. June 11, 1738 ; 
d. Nov. 14, 1820, aged 8^2 ; Martha, his wife, b. July 14, 
1740 ; d. June 16, 1830, aged 90. Children : Alexander, 
b. Oct. 31, 1763 ; d. Fek 19, 1828, aged 65 ; James, h. 
Sept. 3, 1765 ; Robert McCalley, b. Febt 21, 1768 ; d. Dec, 
1811 ; George, jr., b. May 25, 1770 ; d. March, 1771 ; 
George, 3d, b. March 8, 1772 ; Anna, b. July 2, 1774 ; 
:Mary, b. June 4, 1776 ; d. August 11, 1836, aged 59 ; Mar- 
tha, "b. March 15, 1779; d. March 30, 1854, aged 75; Bet- 
sey, b. Jan. 14, 1781 ; d. Jan. 25, 1786 ; Sarah, b. June 11, 
1783 ; d. May 30, 1785 ; Samuel Foster, b. July 12, 1785 ; 
d. July 28, 1794. 



244 IIIf^TORY OF DUXBAllTOX. 

Daniel and .Toiix McCruDY settled in the soutli-easteni 
part of tlie town as early as 175:2, being among the lirst 
grantees. On tlic ITth of October tlie proprietors hekl 
their first pnl)li(.' meeting in the townslii}) upon tlieir hind. 

Jolm MeCurdy was a second lieutenant of rangers in 
liogers' r()ui}»any, in IToO, when Jolm Stark was first lieu- 
tenant in the same corps. ITe was u good soldier, — a man 
of character and resolution. After holding several other 
town otlices he was chosen one of the Committee of Safet}' 
in IT".'). His son was in the battle of Bennington.* 

Matthew 8. McCukdy, son of John, was frecpiently a 
town ofHeer and deacon of the church. An. accident hap- 
pened to him while fishing at Amoskeag falls, in which he 
might truly ascribe his preservation to a special interposi- 
tion of l*rovidencc. The plank u[)on which he stood gave 
way, and he was hurried down the whole extent of the 
falls. He was taken from the water senseless, and re- 
covered with much exertion. 

Ml-. J)axikl K. Davis now owns a ]>ortion of the 
McCurdy land. JEe is a respectable citizen, and although 
a recent resident in town, has been ai)pointed several times 
to offices the dutii's of wlTu'li have been creditably dis- 
charged. 

Other namof! might l)e selected from the records of past 
years, deserving jtarticidar notice. liy ])erusing the ]>rief 
summary of tlu' records herein contained, the descendants 
of the ancient occupants of this })rosperous townshi}) may 
learn sometliing of the i)arts they i)erfornied in the early 
days of its settlement. 

]\fA.rou Calei: Stark was the ehh-st son of (Jeneral John 
Stark, and boi'u at l)uid>arton Decemln'r -"i, IT-V,). At the 
age of fifteen and a half yi-ars, as a Nolunleer in the 1st 

* Rollers, ill liis joiinuil, Xoveinbcr -i, 177.'", states: To iirevoiit this, I 
ombarkod with Licnitojiaiit McCurdy, and fcnirtecn men, in two boats, 
lea\iiii; the remainder of the party on shore luuler tlie coniiuand of Cap- 
tain Putnam (afterward General Putnam.) 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTOX. 245 

Xcw-II;impsliirc regiment, lie was present at tlie action of 
Bunker's Hill, and soon afterward an ensign in the com- 
pany of Captain George Reid. He served witli liis regi- 
ment in Canada, and after the retreat from that province 
in 1776 was aj)pointed adjutant, in which capacity he 
acted at Trenton and Princeton, as also in the actions of 
September 19th and the 7th of Octoher. In the latter 
engagement lie Avas wounded in the left arm. He was 
also at the battle of Springfield, in 1780. He afterward 
became brigade major and aide-de-camp to General 
Stark, under whose command he served until the end of 
the war. In 1778 and 1781, in addition to his other duties, 
he performed those of Adjutant-General of the Xortliern 
Department. 

After the close of the war he engaged in merchandize 
at Haverhill, Massachusetts, at Dunbarton, and subse- 
quently at Boston. In the course of his commercial pur- 
suits he visited the West-Indies and England, When the 
war of 1812 commenced lie closed his affiiirs at Boston, 
and directed his attention to manufacturing at Peinl)roke, 
N^ew-Hampshire. 

Having disposed of his Pembroke estate, in 1830, he 
proceeded to Ohio, to prosecute his family's claim to lands 
granted for their military services in the Revolution, which 
he recovered in 1837. He died on his estate in Ohio, 
August 26, 1838, in the 79th year of his age. 

He possessed a strong memory, read much, and l)y per- 
severance supplied the deficiencies of early education. 
Schooled in the stormy strife of the Revolution, he was 
well versed in the political and military liistory of his 
country, with also a general knowledge of that of other 
nations. He was a man of energy and decision of char- 
acter. His estate in Dunbarton is still possessed by his 
family. He opened the first store in this town at Page 
Corner, Avhich he afterward removed to the Borough farm, 
where he continued in trade until 1806-7, when he com- 
menced business in Boston. He held the office of town 
treasurer from 1788 until 1791. 



24(1 HISTORY OF DINBARTOX. 

lie introdiK'od the pract'u-o oi' grafting and budding 
I'l'uir trees, in this region. With his own liands ho set 
grafts and bnds in his oreliards, and tliose of his nearest 
townsmen who wei-e sufHeiently credulous to consider the 
strange ex[tcrinient worth trying. In a feAv years a pk'u- 
tiful supply of superior fruit more than realized their ex- 
pectations, lie visited ever}- section of Massachusetts 
where lie lieard of clioicc fruit, and obtained scions for his 
own trees. 

lie was the youngest survivor of the action of Bunker's 
Hill who appeared tliere when the corner stone of tlie 
inonunient wa> hiid hy the Mar(piis dv la Fayette, in 1825 ; 
and one of the twelve llevolutionary veterans who stood 
l)y General Jackson wlien lie took his first official oath as 
J*resident of the United States, ^^iarcli 4, 1829. 

In company with Isaac Riddle, Esq., of Piscataquog, he 
stai'ted tlie tirst freight boat wliich ascended tlie Merri- 
mack river to that place. The boat was named ''The 
Experiment," and its arrival created much sensation. A 
crowd of people asseml)led u[)on the occasion, iand guns 
were tired, accompanied by other manifestations of aston- 
ishment and gi'atitication on account of the success of 
" Tlie Experiment." 

Other })articulars of the life of Major Stark may be 
Ibund iii a work containing a Memoir of General Stark 
and others, luiblished by (i. Parker Lyon, Es(j., Concord : 
18(;0. 

Timothy Johnson w-as an industrious farmer, a man of 
firm ]iriiiciplcs, and a respected member of the commu- 
nity. His son Thomas has served in several principal 
offices, and been three times returned to the Legislature. 
His son Henry now occupies the homestead. He is a spir- 
ited and worthy young man, as was also his brother Ste- 
phen, recently deceased. 

Xathaxiel Colby, son of Archelaus Colby, is a re- 
spectable, '* well-to-do" farmer. He lias several times 



HISTORY OF DUXBARTON. 247 

been elected selectnian, uiid in 1851 was retnrncd to tlie 
Legislature. 

Samuel Allison held ofHces of trust in former days. 

James Allison, his grandson, was many years a trader 
near the meeting-house. He was town-clerk as well as 
selectman several years, and twice elected representative. 

Samuel Allison died August 27, 1800, aged 51. His 
children were : Janette, b. Dec. 9, 1770 ; (married to James 
Stinson) ;^ Samuel, 1). June, 1768. 

Capt. Benjamin Whipple was born at Hamilton, Mass., 
in 1785-6. He was formerly an excellent practical far- 
mer, and president of the county agricultural society, 
from which his family and himself obtained several pre- 
miums, as acknowledgments of their industrial perform- 
ances. He once commanded the cavalry, and was reputed 
a good officer. Having sold his well cultivated farm, he 
still resides in sight of it, enjoying a life of ease and com- 
fort, as does also his ])rotlier Samuel, at Page Corner. 

His brother John was educated at Dartmouth College, 
and practiced law at Hooksett, afterwards at Contoocook- 
ville, and lasth* at Concord, where he died, August 28, 
1857. He had been Clerk of the Senate, Deputy-Secre- 
tary of State, Register of Deeds, and Judge of the Police 
Court at Concord. 

Thomas Hoyt was a soldier of the Revolution. His 
children were Timothy, b. Nov. 8, 1763 ; Elizabeth, b. 
March 10, 1766 ; Eunice, b. August 20, 1768 ; Micah, b. 
March 21, 1772 ; Betsey, b. August 30, 1774. 

Hon. Richard H. Ayer, a native of Concord, settled at 
Isle of Hooksett Falls, within the limits of tins town, in 
1807. Accounts of his career as a legislator, his widely 
extended influence, and moral worth as a member of the 
community at large, have been written by abler pens than 
ours. We are well acquainted with and duly appreciate 
his important public services in by-gone days. It is there- 



248 HISTORY OF DU-N'I5AKT0X. 

fore only nece.ssaiy hero to notice briefly his connection 
with the ailliirs of this town. lie was elected representa- 
tive for the years 1810, 1811, 1812, 1814, 1815, 1816, 1817 
— seven years ; moderator from 1812 to 1823 — eleven years 
successively. lie was induced to scr\e as selectman 
once (1821). Tie ably discliarii;ed his duty in all positions 
in Avhich he was ]daced l)v the votes of this town. lie 
was tlic in'incipal au'ciit in ora'ani/inu' llie town of llook- 
sett and estaljlishiui;- tlie county of Merrimack. lie was 
horn at Concord, Jan. 12. 177S, and died at Manchester 
Feb. o, 18')o, aged 7 o years and 23 days. 

Offices held at dittercut times ]>y Hon. Iv. II. Ayer : 
Representative from Dunbarton 7 yeai-s; from llooksett 
4 years; Presidential Elector in 181(5 and 1848; Council- 
lor Irom 1817, live years in succession ; Sheriff of Merri- 
mack county from 1823 to 1828 ; Xa\'al Store-keeper at 
Portsmouth from 1829 to 1837 ; T)ele_<i:ate to the Conven- 
tion for amending" tlie Constitution o\' Xcw-llamjishire in 
18r)0. His house was the abode of good cheer and hos})i- 
tality. His wife — the daughter of Peter Green, Ks(^. — 
was a sui)erior wonum. A more ]iarticular notice of liim 
may be found in tlie l^'armcrs' Montlily Visitor. 

Samuel LoiU) was a well knoun early inhabitant of this 
town, and die*! .lanuary, 1S18, aged (Jo. One of his sons, 
Tliomas, was a volunteer at Portsmoutli during the war 
of 1812. Several grandsons of Samuel I^ord are respect- 
able farmers in Dunbarton. 

Captain John Feiuiusox, a soldier of the Kevolution, 
more than fifty years ago was a manufacturer of spinning- 
wheels, which were tlien to be found in every household 
where wool or flax i-ould hi' obtained, before their innnites 
had become ashanu'doi- iniwillingto wear the products of 
their own industry, in iheir prel'erence for foreign fabrics. 

Thomas Caldwell came from Litchfield here. Several 
of his relatives were distillers, and located themselves at 



HISTORY OF DUMBARTON. 249 

NewLurvport, Mass. He liccame a wealtliy farmer and 
was an honored townsman. His descendants are all re- 
spectal)le members of society. His grandson, David S. 
Caldwell, is now settled at Xewbnry, Mass., while aiiotlier, 
William Caldwell, resides in Dnnbarton. Thomas Cald- 
well died Feb. 20, 181G, aged 83. 

Family Record. — Thomas (Jahhvell was married to Eliz- 
abeth Holmes, I^ov. 1, 1759. Children : Mary, b. August 
14, 1760 ; Alexander, b. Angast 15, 1761 ; Margaret, b. 
Feb. 18, 1763 ; William, b. Jnly 17, 1764 ; Thomas, jr., b. 
May 3, 1766 ; Agnes, b. Ain-il 25, 1768 ; Elizabeth, b. Oct. 
9, 1769. A daughter, b. July, 1771, died in twelve days. 
Agnes died June 7, 1770. 

Israel Clifford settled at Page Corner in 1765. He 
was born in Kingston, IST. H., in March, 1746, and died at 
Dnnbarton, April 13, 1835, in the ninetieth year of his 
age. His house, and that of Capt. Page, were the first 
framed buildings erected in the vicinity of Page Corner. 
He voted for Jefferson electors in 1796. He was many 
years constable and collector. His son Jonathan, also one 
of the eight voters for Jefierson in 1796, has survived 
them all. He is now nearly eighty-fi^'c years old, having 
been born Sept. 23, 1775. His memory is clear, and he 
still supports the principles for which he voted in his 
youth. He was tax collector fourteen years. 

Children of Israel and, Achsah Clifford: Elizabeth, b. 
Jan. 27, 1774 ; Jonathan, b. Sept. 23, 1775 ; David, b. Au- 
gust 4, 1777 ; Samuel, b. June 11, 1779 ; Richard, b. Au- 
gust 21, 1783 ; Israel, b. Jan. 29, 1786 ; Isaac, b. Oct. 6, 
1794; Sally, b. Jan. 23, 1788; John, b. Jan. 31, 1790; 
Hannah, b. May 31, 1792 ; William (not recorded). 

Children of Williain and Thankfal Cdd/rdl : ]\Iary, b. 
Nov. 12, 1792; William, jr., 1). Oct. 30, 1794; Bettv, b. 
Sept. 21, 1796. 

Phinehas Bailey was an early inhabitant, and acted 
some part in town aftairs. He was,, when in his prime, 
17 



-50 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

vorv fX}>L-rt in all fanning operations, particularly in using 
tin.' lioe. He once assisted Mr. Harris in planting. Tlie 
latter undertook to drop the seed corn, while Mr. Bailey 
followed with his hoe to cover it. The latter, however, 
so closely }»ressed upon his steps, that when he had 
dropped out two rows, he said : '• Mr. Bailey, I have al- 
most broken my back. I must find a boy that can drop 
and kec}) out of your way." His son Charles was also an 
actixe farmer: a tall, strong man. and exerted mueh po- 
litical influence. He was temperate, industrious, ami his 
affairs unembarrassed — yet, strange to say, while in a state 
of mental despondency, he committed suieide. 

Children of Phinehas and Esther Bailey : Charles, 
1). .l)eeend)er Iti, 1808; Patty Currier, b. May 18, 1809; 
Polly, born I)ecend)er 10, 1811. 

A\'iLLiA.M Texxey, architect of the meeting-house and 
many other l)uildings now standing, was the ablest master 
carpenter in this region. Tlis woi'k was expeditiously and 
well performed. He married a daughter of Judge Page. 
He died October 22, 1838. 

Their children were: Jeremiah Page, b. Xovemljer 
28, 1782; Xancy, 1). May 1(J, 1784; Achsali, b. dune 28, 
178);; David, b. February 2(3, 1791 ; John P., b. October 
13, 179.'). His daughters married Messrs. JoJm Leach and 
Samuel AVhijiple. 

Captaix Xatiiax Guttersux has resided in this town 
more than thirty-two years. He had charge of the Stark 
mills from 1830 to 1856-7. Since that time tliey have 
been managed by his son John. Captain Gutterson is a 
nuni of much intelligence and business capacity, lie has 
been several years one of the aelectmen, representative 
twice, and ten times moderator. He andhis son, AVilliam 
\V., jiurchased the farm of Uobert Chase. A v.. part of 
which is land that was, during the Bex'olution, conliscated 
as the property of John Stinson. 

Lieut. James Hogg erected a house on the place now 
owned by Barton Brown. His daughters were very well 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON, 251 

educated. After lie left tlie place, Captain Joseph Leacli 
resided there while his house was huilding, on the Page 
road. The house of Mr. Hogg was afterward owned by 
Perley P. Ray. It was burnt about 1830-1. 

Mr. kSamuel Gutterson, originally of Weare, but having 
for some twenty years been a resident of Lynn, came to 
Dunbartou in 1849. He is a worthy man, and in his 
family we have passed several pleasant winters. 

Capt. Shubael Tenney was a pattern farmer and very 
respectable resident of this town. His farm is now wholly, 
or in part owned by Daniel H. Parker. His son, the Hon. 
John Tenney, graduated at Dartmouth College, read law 
with James II. Duncan, Esq., of Haverhill, Massachusetts, 
in which town he opened an office, and married a daughter 
of the Hon. Bailey Bartlett. 

i^ATHAXiEL T. Safford, from Beverly, a few years since 
purchased the farm of Captain Benjamin Whipple, which 
he improves with good husbandry. He has been several 
years elected-town clerk, and is a respectable and valued 
citizen. 

Capt. JoxAS Hastings carried on a tan-yard in the 
soutlierly part of the town. 

Mr. Paul Healey was an ancient settler. He died at 
the age of 93. His second wife died at the age of 92. 
His son Joseph was a good teamster as well as farmer. 
Himself, Robert Holmes and Josiah Bailey were, long be- 
fore the date of railroads, a well known trio on the Boston 
road, as teamsters. 

Richard Cilley served a farmer's apprenticeship in 
this town, which he left in 1835. He has been several 
years a stage owner and driver ; as also an express agent. 
Ha\nng by his industry acquired a comfortable property, 
he purchased a farm on our town's western border, where 
he enjoys quietly the avails of his activity and providence 
in earlv life. 



■2;rl IIISTOllY OF DUXHAUTOX. 

Robert Alexaxder removed from Jicdtbrd to this town. 
He purchased the Diinharton farm of John Kaymond, Esq., 
upon which he resided until his death, March 8, 1818, at the 
age of 93, when the farm was divided between his sons, 
David and William. The lattei- ivmovcd to the western 
part of Xew-^'ork more than forty years ai;'o. David was 
an cxemphiry liushandman and v.^orthy citizen. lie never 
sought oifice, and liis ati'airs prospered. lie was a good 
otHcer of militia, and deacon of tlie churcli. lie led a 
reputable life and died respected, dune — , 18.32, aged 70. 
Mrs. Alexander died May 20, 1854. 

Mr. Hugh Ja.mesox, son of late Daniel Jameson, Esq., 
married his dauglitor, and now owns the estate improved 
by Captain Alexander. 

Children of David and ^lartha Cunningham Alexander: 
Betsey, b. Feljrnar}- 28, 1805 ; Xancy, 1). .lanuary 0, 1807 ; 
Dolly, b. October 24, 1808 ; Harriet, b. Xovember'22, 1812 ; 
Maria, 1). Deccmhci' 25, 1815. 

Major AV^iLLiAM Drowx, from Beverly, Mass., settled in 
the south-eastern part of the town. lie \vasan influential 
and respectable man, often elected to town olHces, and 
major of the ninth regiment (Xewllampshire Militia).'^' 
When he came to this place he possessed but little pro[)erty, 
but by his active laljor as a good hlacksmith, he [)urchased 
land, piece by piece, until he had ohtaincd a considerable 
farm. He was, in hi.-: younger days, a hard worker. lie 
left a good estate, lie was l)orn January 24. 1704. and 
died April 2, 1849, aged 85. Jlis grandson, I'altiali, has 
frequently been chosen moderator and selectman. He was 
also elected Register of Deeds for Merrimack county, and 
now resides in Concord. 

Major Brown's children were : \ViHiam, b. May -JO, 
1790; Judith, b. Se[)teinber 19, 1794; Anna, Hannah, 

"Anki'Dotk ok ]\lA.ioii J>iiowx. A\'1k'1i lio coiiuniuidcd the militia 
compiiny in this town, while witli them, on ])sir:id(!. iieiir tiie town-house, 
lie observed a large black snake with head erect, steering across the com- 
mon, toward the house. AVithout a moment's hesitation he gave chase, 
and before the enemy could get under cover, killed him with liis sword. 



HISTORY OF DUNBAllTON. 253 

Paltiali, Serena. William Brown, Ji'., died September 
— , 1840, aged 09. 

Jonathan Waite was an ingenious blacksmith. He 
served the town as selectman, and was twice elected repre- 
sentative. In his decease his family as well as the pnblic 
suffered a severe loss. His sons, George and James, carry 
on his establishment. 

Benjamin Twihs was a substantial farmer, and resided 
on a lot adjoining that of Rev. Walter Harris. His sou, 
J. P. Twiss, now occupies his farm. 

Benjamin Marshall was born in tliis town on the old 
Perlcy place. His father dying soon after his birth, he 
was, while an infant, conveyed by his widowed mother to 
Ipswich, Mass., where she afterward married a Mr. Pearson. 
After reaching years of maturity Mr. Marshall returned 
to settle in Dunbarton. He became an experienced and 
independent agriculturist. He was once induced to serve 
as a selectman. One year's experience, however, convinced 
him that the position was not one to be desired, and that 
his well cultivated farm was an object more worthy of his 
attention. He left a handsome estate. He was born in 
1775, and died February 2T), 1858. 

Dunbarton records contain the following : " January 8, 
1802. Married Benjamin Marshall, of Ipswich, to Betsey 
Goodhue, of Dunbarton." Children : Eunice P., b. July 
6, 1804 ; Elizabeth and Mary D., b. March 21, 1806 ; Sa- 
rah, b. Januar}^ 6, 1808 ; Benjamin, b. December 12, 1809 ; 
Hannah, b. May 18, 1812 ; Lydia M., b. iN^vember 29, 
1813; Harriet N., b. August 31, 1817 ; Enoch P., b. N"o- 
vember 24, 1819; Cbarles IL, b. March 11, 1823. 

John Dodcie, once an iidiabitant of this town, was col- 
lector in 1817. He [)nblished a pamphlet, addressed to 
Rev. Walter Harris, in defence of LTniversalism. 

Cliildreu of James and Esther Morse : True Morse, b. 
February 2G, 1799 ; Sally, b. January 22, 1801. 



254 HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 

Capt. Joseph Leach, a veteran soldier of the Revolution 
(also a sea captain), ^vas a hiirli-spirited, valued citizen, 
and a strong Jetlersonian r^'pnltlican. He was several 
years representative and selectman. His death (I8I0-I6) 
was occasioned by the running* away of his team in the 
hay season. While springing from his cart to stop 
his cattle, he was caught and crushed between the wheel 
and a bar post. His widow died June 20, 1849, aged one 
hundred and two years. Ilis sons were Joseph, Samuel, 
John and An<h'ew. He liad also several daughters. 

])i;x.jA.MiN Terley, Jr., resided in the south-eastern part 
of the town. His sons, AVarren and Hunqdirey C\, within 
a few years deceased, each served the town several years 
as selectmen and representatives. 

C^hildrcn of I>enjamin jind Lois Perley : Lois, 1). .Tan- 
nary l<s, 1792 ; Patty Gould, b. June 28, 1793 ; JkMijamin, 
b. February 15, 1795; Hannah, b. October 12, 179(3 ; 
Humphrey C, b. March 31, 1798 ; Warren, b. September 
3, 1799 ; Gilman, b. August 27, 1801 ; Eliza, b. December 
22, 1802 ; Anna, b. November 26, 1804 ; John, b. July — , 
1808; Elbridge, b. October 29, 1810. 

When he was very old the house of Mr. Benjamin Per- 
ley, senior, caught tire. He went to the attic to extin- 
guish it, and being unable to <j;vt out, perished in the 
flames. His great-grandsoji, Jeremiah, son of Warren 
Perley, "was slain, after a l)rave delence, l)y a })arty of In- 
dians in California. 

Ej.iphalet T\. Saroext, from Goiistown, who has resided 
in this town al)Out twenty-five yeai'S, is an intelligent, 
industrious husl)au(lman. lie has held town olHces of 
responsibility, and owns the fai'm first occupied l)y Gapt. 
AVilliam Parker. 

Joshua F. Hoyt was a hard-working, thrifty farmer, 
and an extensive dealer in cattle. He was chosen select- 
man and treasurer several times. He was also an ai2:eut 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 255 

for the purchase of the town farm, aijent for the surjthis 
revenue, and representative. His son, Joseph G., gradu- 
ated, with a high reputation for schohirship, at Yale Col- 
lege ; was for a time tutor at Pliillips Academy, Exeter, 
from which town he was chosen a delegate to the State 
convention for amending the Constitution. He is now 
chancellcr of a literary seminary in Missouri. Benjamin, 
the youngest son of Mr. Hoyt, has been selectman, and in 
1859 and 1860 was elected treasurer. He occupies his 
father's former residence, and is, like him, the cultivator 
of a considerable farm, as also an extensive dealer in cat- 
tle and lumber. 

Thomas Tewksbury owned a form bordering upon 
Hopkinton, which he managed with great industry, econ- 
omy and profit. He was a cooper, and in that capacity 
made several voyages to the West-Indies. He died at a 
very advanced age. None of his family now reside in 
town. His farm was lot No. 19, in the first range, origin- 
ally laid out to John Quigg. 

Children of Thomas and Anna Tewksbury: Anna, b. 
(at Manchester) January 18, 1786 ; Betsej^ b. (at Man- 
chester) November 14, 1787 ; Molly, b. May 23, 1791 ; 
Thomas and Jacob, b. Septeml^er 16, 1792 ; William, b. 
April 3, 1795. 

Captain John Gould was born at Hampton, Mass., in 
1740. He was an efficient agent in the early affairs of 
the town, before and after the Revolution. In 1775 he 
was one of the " Committee of Safety." He died Janu- 
ary 3, 1806. Mrs. Rachel Gould, his wife, born at Pitts- 
fiekl, N. H., died October 10, 1809. 

Hon. John Gould was born August 15, 1769, at Dun- 
barton (another account states August 15, 1767, at Ames- 
bury, Mass). He was a man of much capacity for busi- 
ness, slow, sure and methodical, ^nd held for many years 
every important position in Avhich the votes of his towns- 



256 lirSTOKY OF DUXBAIITON. 

iiUMi t'oiild place liiiu. He was also elected Senator for 
tlie :5(1 District, in 1820 and 1821. lie Lclonged to the 
Kejinblican party. Several years ago the Federalists car- 
ried all the otliees in town exeejtt one. The one Demo- 
crat elected was .lolin Gonhh His o})ponents jocosely 
remarked that they had cleared ont all the Democrats but 
"one old stumi),"" and they would root him out next year. 
The time came round, and the Democrats reelected the 
'•old stump," as also their wliole ticket. Mr. (lould ])0S- 
sessed sound judi>-ment, and exerted a powerful intluence 
over the town and its atiairs. neing an excellent prac- 
tical surxeyoi', he was well known throughont the county. 
lie was ii man of reading and reiiection, as well as a fair 
scholar, considering the limited advantages within his 
reai-h. He studied men as well as hooks, and his active 
mind supplied many deticiences in his common school ed- 
ucation. 

I !(,' ]tul»]ishe(l several ]»amphlets on the sul)ject of [in- 
vei'salism. His eldest son, Jcdm, A\-as educated at Dart- 
mouth College, l)ut did not live to graduate. ]Iis second 
son, Edward, was young when he tii'st engaged in }ud)lic 
atiairs. He is a man of ahilitics. and has }iassed the round 
of all im})ortant town appointments ; was selectman, 
treasurer, ami twice returned to the Legislature. AVil- 
liam ('., his youngest son, now I'csides in Dow. 

(diildren of Jt)hn and Dorothy (lOidd : John, dr., h. 
April 12, 17i»4; died September <>, 181."); I'Mwai-d. ]». Au- 
gust 1"), ITIMI: Sally, b. Decend)er 17, ITI'T : Clymenia, 
b. January 1(3, 180G ; Lewi.s, b. July 28, 18()!l: Lovimi. b. 
August 25, 1813: John Harris, b. October 2:^, 181(;; Wil- 
liam C, b. June 2, 1820. Hon. John Gould died Debru- 
ary 1. b^:>2. 

A fi'iend has furnished the following remarks, which we 
add to this notice in neai'ly the words of the writer: 

".lohn (iould was born in Amesbury, Mass.. .Vugust 15, 
1707.* His father nn)\'ed to Dunbarton when he was a 
mere bov of five or six years ol' aice. He settled upon tlie 
*■'" Another statornoiit is. ^' l)unl»arton, Antiust 15, 170'J." 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTOX. 257 

farm where John Aiiiiis now lives. The site of the old 
house is hut a few feet hack of Annis' house. The place 
where he located himself was a wilderness. He struggled 
along in poverty, and raised a family of nine children — 
seven hoys and two girls. 

John Gould was the third child — one hoy and two girls 
being his seniors in age. He served an apprenticeship 
with a hlacksmith named Gwinn, in Derryfield, near the 
old Amoskeag bridge. He commenced work for himself 
at the age of 24, and bought an acre of land, upon the 
corner, across the wall, near Johnson's house. He erected 
a house where the shop now stands, and also a shop south 
of the barn, on the coi-ner where his house had been 
erected. He nnirried Dorothy Head, a poor servant girl, 
and moved into his new house, their cffeets being con- 
veyed thither in a bushel basket. 

His father was a very hard-working, industrious man, 
of good natural abilities, but possessed very little learn- 
ing. He could read and write, but very indifterently. 
His mother could read and write better than her husband. 

John Gould, their son, went to school but four weeks in 
his life. He said the lirst copy ever set for him was writ- 
ten by his mother on a piece of birch bark; yet I can say 
of him that he possessed the most thorough common 
English education of any man I ever knew: that is, in 
the branches generally taught in his day, which were read- 
ing, writing and arithmetic. I never saw him at fault in 
parsing or puzzled l)y a sum in arithmetic. Being much 
with him I frequently received his assistance in those par- 
ticulars while myself acting as a teacher, and he invaria- 
bly "helped me out when against a snag." 

When a boy I attended a singing school at Dunbarton 
Centre, where the teacher proposed this question : " What 
will fill one third of a measure in common time?" He 
allowed his pupils until the next meeting to prepare an 
answer. I studied some time upon the question, and gave 
it up. Squire Gould, however, answered it in ten min- 
utes, and with his information I went to school the next 



258 HISTORY OF DUNBARTOX. 

evening in good spirits. The iinswor was called for; and 

none could give it but myself. Our old friend 

called out, " told you." I did not own u|i at 

the time, hut it was nevertheless true. This goes to show 
that although of different polities our friend duly ap}ire- 
eiated his abilities. 

ITis letter to Mr. Harris was an able production. I 
have looked over his writings in manuscript, to see if I 
could discover a miss^ielU'd word or an ungrammatieal 
sentence. I have never discovered any, although hours 
have been ex[)ended in the search. 

'Squire Gould was a sel-f-nuule man. ITis knowledge 
was ac({uired from books and observation, without a 
teacher, or such text books as you and I have had the 
privilege of perusing. Dilworth's Spelling Book, the 
Psalter, Pike's Arithmetic, and Alexander's Grammar, 
were the principal works at his command. He was sin- 
guhxr in his boyhood. He seldom mingled v,-ith other 
boys in their spcu'ts, but prelerred retiring by hiiuself with 
his book for his companion. 

He did not, however, deny himself all sports and recre- 
ations, for he was personally very active and agile. He 
was an expert wrestler, lie would never, however, en- 
gage until the bully of the ring had thrown all others ; 
then he would step in and throw the bully. 

I have heard him say he never was thrown after he was 
twenty. He could jumji higlier than any person in his 
vicinity. He could leap ovei- a line as high as his head. 
He was six feet in height, and generally weiglied one 
hundred and eighty pounds. A principal reason thiit he 
did not appear more ju'ondnentiy in the \\H)rld was ]iis 
diffidence. AVIkmi he was nominated for ti)wn-clerk. 'he 
said it occurred to him that he should have to read 
before the meeting, and he should not be able to eat or 
slee[) on account of nervousness.' He always stood back, 
aiul nevei- })Ut himself forward as an otiice-seeker." 

From ^^■llat we have known of Mr. (Jould, we conti- 
dentlv indorse the foreu'()in<c statements. He was a 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 259 

worthy citizen, and fnltillod honorably all hi.s duties to 
the public, and the obligations incumbent upon him as a 
member of society. » 

We insert with pleasure the following extract from a 
letter just received from William C. Grould, Esq., of Bow : 

" My father was born in Dunbarton, August 15, 1769. 
He died Feb. 1, 1852. His oldest diary in my possession 
dates back to 1820. He was that year Senator from Dis- 
trict No. 3. He was emphatically a self-taught mnn, having 
had no advantages of education beyond his own fireside. 
Ilis father was sternly opposed to any thing like progress, 
and my father had but little chance for improvement while 
under him. I have heard him say that he made shingles 
and bought a dictionary, but was obliged to peruse it 
secretly ; for his father had declared that the book w^ould 
be the ruin of him. He once said ' that all his boys were 
good to work, and could take care of themselves except 
John, and he did not care for any thing but an old book.' " 

As for the pamphlets he has written, I know of but few. 
He wrote a letter to Mr. Harris and liev. ■Sir. Cowles ; 
also, one small pamphlet on the subject of capital punish- 
ment, about the time Daniel Farmer was hung at Am- 
herst. He wrote several articles for the newspapers in 
defence of Universalism, which were published, but most 
of his writings never w6iit to the press. My brother John 
died while a student at college, five years before I was 
born. 

I have, since writing the above, learned that my grand- 
father Avas born in Hampton, Mass., in 1740, and my 
grandmother in Pittsfield, N. H., in 1743. My father 
wrote a pamphlet to the Shakers, the title of which I do 
uot recollect." 



Note. In the description of Dumbarton Castle (page 39), Rcnfreiv is 
mentioned as a royal burgh, classed with those of Dumbarton, Glasgow and 
Kuther Glen, in electing a member to the British Parliament. 

" Lord lienfrew" is the title whicli Queen Victoria directed the Prince 
of "Wales to assume durine; his travels in America. 



APPENDIX. 



On the 30th of January, 1746, John Tufton Mason solil his interest in the 
Province to a company composed of the following: gentlemen, viz : 

" Theodore Atkinson, Kiehard Wihird, Jolin Motfat, Mark llunking Went- 
worth, Samuel Moore, John Odiorne, Jr., Josliua Pieree, Nathaniel Meserve, 
George Jaffrcy, Jr., John Wcntworth, Jr., Thomas Wallingford, and Thomas 
Packer." 

To the above named persons, and the officers of j^overnmcnt, lots were set 
apart in all granted townsliips.* The assent of the ap])licants being declared 
in regard to this arrangement, companies of respectable individuals experienced 
but little trouble in obtaining townsiiip grants. 

A liberal allowance of farm lots was invariably bestowed ujion the Governor, 
his Secretary, and Treasurer, or other friends by them designated, " to them 
and their heirs for ever." The American Revolution, however, a convulsion 
unanticipated as well as unprecedented in the history of the world, " indefi- 
nitely postponed" many of these admirably contrived schemes for future wealth. 
Confiscation settled the account of many of tiiese thus easily acquired grants of 
lands. 



List of Individuals to ifliom Land Rights icere granted at the 
ProjJrietors' Meetiufj on 3Ionda>j, March 2, 1752. 

Archibald Stark, "William Stark, John Stark, Archibald Stark, Jr., all of a 
place called Amoskeag. 

Rev. David McGregore, Robert McMurphy, "William Rankin, "William Stin- 
son, John Cocbran, James Evans, Hugh Dunshce, John McCunly, Joiin Carr, 
John Cochran, Hugh Jameson, David Stinson, Joseph Scnby, Mattliew Thorn- 
ton, Daniel McCurdy, John Carr, John Cochran, Dr. Alexander Todd, Wil- 
liam Hogg, James McGregore, David Leslie, George Clark, William Rankin, 
"William Stinson, James Rogers, James Cochran, .John McDuftie, James Mc- 
Gregore, Nathaniel Todd, David Craig, all of Londonderry. 

Thomas Mills, Samuel Hogg, Calel)' Page, Jr., Nathaniel Richards, Thomas 
Follansbee, Jr , all of Hampstcad. 

Jeremiah Page, William Elliot, John Hall, Adam Dickey, all of Derryfield. 

Joseph Blanchard, Esq., Joseph Blanchard, Jr., both of Dunstable. 

Joseph Putney, James Rogers, their eldest sons for one right, all living on 
the tract of land hereby granted. 

"William Putney and Ohadiah Foster, of the s;ime place, for one hundred 
acres, and the remaining part of tiie share or right to Hugh Ramsay, of snid 
Londonderry. 

John Morton and George Massey, of Portsmouth. William Stark (above 
named) having three rights. Samuel Emerson, Esq., James "Varnum, both of 

* Several grants of this character will be found in the following list. 



262 



APPENDIX. 



Chester; Joliii Campbell, of Haverhill; William Ilyslop, of Boston, William 
Gault. of Canterhury ; Samuel Fulton, of Londondery. — Prop. Records. 

In the foi\'going list a few names are several times inserted. In these cases, 
more lots th >n one were granted to the same person. 



.1 



Xo 
I. 



S. 

9. 
10. 
11. 
12. 
13. 
14. 
1.5. 
If). 
17. 
18. 

19. 



Lisi of the Lois in Dunbarton, ii-ith the name.'^ of the Orij- 
mal Grantees, as assigned them in 1752. 



First Range. 
. of Lot. 
Jolin Stark. 
Alexander Todd. 
Alexander Todd. 
John Stark. 

Thos. Wallingford and Thos. Hill 
A. Cunningham and A. Stark. 
William Stark. 
Seiiool lot, and John Moffat. 
I). McClregore and John Craig. 
Moore and Pierce. 
Samuel Ilogg. 
Common lot to build I\I. II. 
David Craig. 
David MeGregore. 
Archibald Stark. 
Archibahl Cunningham. 
John Odiorne. 
John Ilogg. 
John (Juigg. 

Second RamjQ, 

George CI >rk. 

Common lot to build M. II. 

Thomas Hall. 

Thomas Wallingford. 

William Stinson. 

John MolVat. 

John Hogg and James Odiorne. 

Joini <iuigg and George Clark. 

Cakli l/age, Jr., and Law lot. 

Samuel Kankin. 

Kichard Wilson. 

Col. Meserve & Co. 

Sam'l Stinson (cellar & apple-tree). 

James Caldwell. 

William Gault. 

Samiu'l iOmerson. 

Samuel Hogg, Moore and Pierce. 

John , Law lot, pine 7 feet in 

diameter. 
J. McAlisterand Matthew Kamsej. 

Third Range. 
John McDuiHe. 
Joseph I'icrce. 
Ddvid Stinson. 



4. Thomas Follanshee. 

5. James Cochran, Hugh Dunshee. 
G. Hugh Jameson. 

7. Theodore Atkinson, Jr., and Hugh 

Jameson. 

8. Parsonage. 

9. School lot, camp (k a). 

10. Wm.Carr, Wm I'arkor, oak 7 ft. d. 

11. Theodore Atkinson, Jr. 

12. Law lot. 

\^. Sam'l Emerson and David Stinson. 
14. Wm. Carr and James Stinson. 
l.'j. John Horsul and William Stark. 
IG. Matthew Kamsa3-, pine 10 ft. d. 

17. Joim McAlister, elm & oak 6 ft. d. 

18. Caleb Page, Jr., fort. 

19. Parker and Law lot. 

Fourth Range. 

1. James Rogers. 

2. James Cochran. 

■'{. Wm. Carr and Thomas FoUansbee. 

4. Samuel Kankin and Wm. Stinson, 

mill. 

5. Common. 

6. Matthew Thornton, Thos. Parker. 

7. Scol)y, March and Geo. Jeffrey. 

8. First minister, Walter Harris. 
'.I Parsonage (meeting-house). 

10. James Rogers. 

1 1. Samuel Todd. 

12. John Stark, grant for first mill. 

13. Alexander Gault. 

14. James Adams. 

15. John Stinson. 

16. Wm. Kankin, Wm. Parker. 

17. James Carr. 

18. Common. 

FijVi Range. 

1. John Pierce. 

2. VVm. Gould and Samuel Caldwell. 

3. Sam'l Stinson, Harvey & Co. 

4. Common. 

5. Richard Wilson, Archibald Stin- 

son, Jr. 

6. James Rogers and Joseph Putney. 

7. George Masse v. 



APPENDIX. 



263 



8. J. T. Mason and Putney and Rog- 

ers' eldest son. 

9. John Kamsey. 

10. Joseph Scoby. 

11. Adam Dickey. 

12. Joseph Cocliran. 
1.3. Thomas Parker. 
14. Joseph Bhmchard. 

1.'). David Leslie, pine 6 ft. d. 

16. Jos. Blanchard and David Leslie. 

17. Common. 

Sixth Range. 

1. John Morton. 

2. John Morton. 
.3. Hugh Ramsay. 

4. Jos. Scoliy, John Ramsay, mill. 

5. Joseph Scoby. 

6. Joseph Putney. 

7. James Rogers. 

8. J. Rogers and J. Putney's eldest 

son (apple-tree, 1747).* 
y. Matthew Thornton. 

10. Archibald Stark, Jr. 

11. Hugh Dunshee. 

12. George Jeffrey. 
1.3, Scoby and March. 
14. Hugh Ramsay. 

Seventh Range. 

1 . Sam'l Fulton and James Varnum. 

2. \Vm. Elliot and John Hall. 

3. John Hall. 

4. William Elliot. 

5. James Varnum. 

6. Common. 

7. Samuel Fulton. 

8. J. T. Mason and John Cochran. 

9. J. Adams. 

10. J. Adams, both fragments of lots. 



1 1 . George Massey. 

12. Alexander Gault. 

13. Samuel Todd. 

Eighth Range. 

1. Samuel Richards. 

2. Dr. John Cocliran, 

3. John Cochran. 

4. John Cochran. 

5. Samuel Richards. 

6. James McGregorc. 

Ninth Range. 

1. Daniel McCurdy. 

2. James McGregorc. 

3. Mark Hunking Wentwortli, 

Tenth Range. 

1. Daniel McCurdy. 

2. Matthew Morton. 

3. Matthew Morton. « 

Eleventh Range. 
1. Mark H. Wentworth. 
Tivelfth Range. 

1. Jeremiah Page. 

2. Jeremiah Page. 

Thirteenth Range. 

1. Common. 

2. Common. 

3. John Wallingford and John Went- 

worth. 

Fourteenth Range. 

1. Todd. 

2. School lot. 

3. John Wentworth. 

4. Vacant. 



The folloiDing persons from this town loere educated at College 



Abraham B. Story, 
Samuel Burnham, 
Abraham Burnham, 
Amos W. Burnham, 
John Burnham, 
Charles G. Burnham, 
John Stinson (2 years), 
Thomas Jameson, 
William Star'.-, 
Nathaniel H. Hardy, 
John Wliipple, 
Jeremiah Stinson, 
Nathaniel Fisher Harris, 



Dartmouth. 


Caleb Stark, 


Harvard, 1823 




Caleb Mills, 


Dartmouth 




William Parker, 


" 




Leonard Parker, 


<( 




John Tenney, 
Henry Page, 
Waller H. Tenney, 


Union 
Dartmouth 




Thomas Jameson, 


" 




John Jameson, 


" 




Harrison Page, 


11 




Joseph G. Hoyt, 
John Gould, 


Yale 
Dartmouth 




Mark Bailey, 


" 



* This tree was probably planted several years prior to 1746. 



264 



APPENDIX. 



David B. Kimball, 
Clunk's II. Marshall, 
Geoi'<rc II. Twiss, 
E|)iiraiin O. Jameson, 
Abraham Biiriihain, 



Dartmouth. 

Wabash, Ind. 

Dartmouth. 



Now in College. 
Henry M. CaMwell, Dart.nouth. 

William K. Buiitcii, •' 

Henry M. Putney, " 

Frank A. Putney, " 



PrrsoHS forrncrl)/ residents of this town., who have died at and 
beifond the cgc of 10 years. Those desif/nated by a. star (*) 
irere pa>tt 70, their exact ages heiny iiid;ni>irn. 



Archibald Stark, Jr., 


90 


His wife, 


* 


Capt. Caleb Pasc, 


80 


Major (?!aleb Stark, 


78 


Mrs. Sarah Stark, 


1'i 


Capt. William Stinson, 


78 


His wife, 


* 


Arehibald Stinson, 


85 


His wife, Sarah Page S, 


84 


IMajor Jolin Stinson, 


81 


Wilii.tm Stinson, 


7.') 


John Stinson, Jr., 


81 


James Stinson, 


82 


Janette. his wife, 


92 


Tliomas Stinson, 


* 


Rev. Waiter Harris, 


82 


Thomas Mills, senior, 


70 


Major Joiin Mills, 


77 


Margarette, his wife, 


81 


Lieut. Thomas Mills, 


88 


William Beard, 


80 


Deliverance, his wife, 


70 


John Biinten, 


76 


Joseph Putney, 


* 


Henry Putney, 


* 


David Putney, 


* 


Asa Putney, 


* 


Kobcrt Alexander, 


9.3 


David Ale.xander, 


71 


JIartlia, his wife, 


75 


Paul Healey, 


9.-! 


His second wife, 


92 


Dea. John Church, 


97 


Dea. James Clement, 


75 


Mrs. Mary McGwinn, 


82 


David Story, 


88 


Thankful, his wife, 


76 


Daniel Iviniliall, 


* 


A^nes Stewart, 


9.3 


John Holmes, 


73 


His wife. 


70 


Col. Robert Holmes, 


83 


Mrs. Holmes, 


80 


Oliver Bailey, senior. 


* 


Capt. Oliver Bailey, 


82 



Capt. Pliinehas Bailey, 
Stej)hen Palmer, 
Simeon Palmer, 
Levi Palmer, 
Snsanuali Palmer, 
Betsey Palmer, 
Alpheus Goodwin, 
James Goodwin, 
Thomas Tewksbury, 
His wife, 

Jonathan Ireland, 
Ca[)t. Josepli Leac'ii, 
Mrs. Leacii, his wife, 
Joel Wheeler, 
Thomas Caldwell, 
Israel Clitl'ord, 
Abraham Burnham, 
John Burnham, 
Asa Burnham, 

His motiier, Hannah Choate Burn- 
ham, 
His wife, Elizabeth Cutler B.-, 
Major William Brown, 
His wife, 

Benjamin Marshall, 
Mrs. Marshall, 
Mrs. Benjamin Twiss, 
Ebenezer Woo<ll)ury, 
Rev. Abraham Burnham, 
Dr. Syninies Sawyer, 
Robert Ilojig (Master), 
Robert lIot;g, 
Hannah, his wife, 
."^amuel Stinson, 
Joiin Gould, 
Job Rowell, 
Mrs. El anor Combs, 
Theodore Combs, 
Jeremiah Page, senior, 
Jeremiah Page, junior, 
John Page, 
Peter C. Page, 
Samuel Leach, 
Thomas Stickney, 
His wife, 



84 



102 



88 
89 



86 
85 

83 
73 
73 
91 

* 

90 

* 
90 

83 



86 
70 



APPENDIX. 2 


!ti5 


* 


• 
Estlier D. HatTimond, 


90 


72 


Thomas Hiunniond, 


80 


79 


Mrs. W^illiam Smith, 


* 


* 


Alexander Gilchrist, 


i/f 


* 


Jonas Hasiings, 


■* 


* 


Moses Carr, 


74 


* 


Eleazer Bitters, 


* 


* 


Kieiiard Elliot, 


* 


* 


Daniel Story, 


71 


* 


Widow Mary Ladd, 


81 


72 


Mrs. Susannah Dow, 


70 


78 


Israel I'erkins, 


81 


* 


Mary, his wife, 


75 


* 


Elizabeth Hammond, 


83 


* 


Hannah Jameson, 


79 


* 


Margaret Jameson. 


82 


82 


Mrs. Tamar, wife of C. Mills, 


S.i 


* 


Capt. Nathan Burniiam, 


74 


* 


Hannah, Lis wife, 


79 


* 


Sarah Brown, 


82 


* 


Eunice Kelley, 


76 


* 


Reul)en Mills', 


87 


* 


Mrs. Mary 15urnham, 


73 


* 


Mrs. Anna Stin^on, 


86 


75 


Died August 1.3, 1860, aged 86 




« 


years, 1 month and 11 days. 





Mr. Gile, 

John iMills (son of Caleb), 

Dea. John Wilson, 

William Tenney, 

Deacon Sargent, 

Deacon Matthew S. McCurdy, 

Lieut. John McCurdy, 

Daniel McCurdy, 

Squire Andrus, 

Benjamin Pcrl^y, senior, 

Benjamin Pcrley, junior, 

Robert Chase, 

Simon Bailey, 

Jonah Bailey, 

Daniel Bailey, 

Peter Mills, 

John Howard, 

Mrs. Thomas Ayre, 

Isaac Bowen, 

His wife, 

Capt. John Ferguson, 

Samuel Hogi^, 

Robert Stark, 

John Stark, 

Sarah Healey, 

Samuel iNIorrison, 

Jonatiian Hammond, 

The oldest persons now living in town are Thomas Aver. 90 in May last. 
Jonathan Clifford will be 85 September 23, 1860. John Duke, supposed to be 
83 or 84. Mrs. Guile is the oldest woman living in town. 



8.3 



Moderators, Proprietors' Clerks, Toicn- Clerks and Treasure i 



Moderators. 
17G5. Caleb Page, until 

1769. Robert Hogg. 

1770. Jeremiah Page, until 
1778. John Hogg, until 

1780. Jeremiah Page. 

1781. John Hogg. 

1782. Jeremiah Page. 

1783. David Story. 

1784. Jeremiah Page. 

1785. David Story, until 

1787. Moses Hacket.; 

1788. David Story, until 

1790. Ebenezer Hacket. 

1791. Caleb Stark. 

1792. Jeremiah Page, until 

1794. William Tenney. 

1795. Jeremiah Page. 

1796. Joseph Leach, until 

1799. John Mills. 

1800. Joseph Leach. 

1801. David Story, until 

1803. Caleb Stark. 

1804. David Story, until 

18 



1806. John Mills, until 
1808. David Story, until 
1812. Richard H.'Aver, until 

1823. Caleb Stark. 

1824. John Leach. 

1825. Edward Gould, until 
1830. John Mills, Jr., until 
1833. Edward Gould, until 
1837. Nathan Gutterson, until 
1847. Paltiah Brown, until 

1853. Samuel B. Hammond. 

1854. William C. Gould. 

1855. Samuel B. Hammond. 

1856. Samuel S. Page. 

1857. John Burnham. until 

1859. Samuel B. Hammond. 

1860. Samuel B. Hammond. 

Proprietors' Clerks. 

1751. Alexander McMurphy, until 

1753. Caleb Page, until 

1774. Jeremiah Page, who made their 

last record on the 2d Tuesdav 

of September, 1802. 



■2C)C> 



APPENDIX. 



Town- Clei-Ls. 

176."). William Stark, until 

1774. James Clement, until 

1788. David Story, until 

1799. Daniel Jame.«on, until 

1803. Jereiniali Stinsoii, until 

1809. Daniel .Jameson, until 

1814. Mr. Jame.sun dieil July 9, 1814, 
and John Gould was elio.sen 
in liis ])lace. at a special meet- 
injr- 

181."). Jolin Gould, until 

1819. James Allison, until 

1824. John Stinson, Sd. 

IS^."). flames Allison, until 

1833. John Stinson, 3d, until 

184.5. Jonathan Ireland, Jr., nntil 

1847. Leonard Kowell, until 

1854. Nathaniel T. Satlord, until 

18.")6. Ira C. Brown, ntuil 

18.i9. Charles Kimljall. 

18C0. Chavlcs Kimball. 



Pioprietms' Treasurer. 
William Stark. 

Town Trcd surer s. 
The selectmen performed the duties 
of treasurer prior to 1775, when Sam- 
uel Stewart was ehosen the first treas- 
urer under the charter. 
177.^. Samuel Stewart, nntil 
1781. James Clement, ufltil 
1788. Calel) Stark, until 
1791. John Mills, until 
1826. Caleb I'aLie, until 
1833. Edward Gould, until 
1830. Caleb Page, until 
1841. Joshua i\ Iloyt, until 
1844. Charles Stinson, until 
1847. Timothy L. Jones, until 
1851. Charles Stinson, until 
1857. John Burnham, until 
1839. Benjamin Iloyt. 
1860. Benjamin Ilojt. 



Dihqftfrs (uvl Bi'prcscnfafircs, r/.s- recordeil in the J'oyn-Clcrks'' 
Books of Boh: and Dtinharton. 



1775. Caleb Pa;;e, delegate to Provin- 

1776. cial Congress. 

1777. Jeremiah Page, representative of 

Bow and Dunbarton, until 

1779. John Bryant, representative ; 

John Hogg, delegate to Con- 
vention at ('oncord. 

1780. Jeremiah I'age, re])resentative. 
17S1. John Bryant, representative and 

agent to General Court ; Ed- 
ward, delegate. 

1782. John Hogg, rei)resentattve. 

178.3. .James Robinson. 

1784. David Story, until 

1780. James Clement, until 

1788. David Story, representative ; Ja- 

cob Green, delegate to Con- 
vention at Exeter. 

1789. David Story. 

1790. Voted not to send a rep. 

1791. Jeremiah Page, until 
1793. David Story,* until 

1797. Joseph Leach. 

1798. David Story. 

1799. Joseph Leach, until 
1801. John Mills, until 
1809. Daniel Jameson. 
iSlO. Itichard II. Ayer, until 
1813. Daniel Jameson. 



1814. liichard II. Aycr, nntil 

1818. John Gould. 

1819. Warren Story. 

1820. John Stinson, until 
1823. John Gould, until 
1825. John Stinson. 
18iG. Warren Story. 
1827. James Allison, nntil 
1829. Edward Gould, until 
1831. John Mills, Jr. 
lt<32. Silas Burnham, nntil 
1834. Caleb Stark, Jr., until 
1837. II(!nrv Putney, until 
1839. Warren Perloy, until 
1841. Nathan (Jutterson, until 

1843. Joshua Y. Iloyt. 

1844. Voted not to send. 

1845. Jonathan Waite, until 
1847. Humphrey C. Perley, until 

1849. Thomas Johnson, tintil 
1851. Nathaniel Colby. 

1854. Ebenczer Page. 

1855. Thomas Johnson. 

1850. El)enc7.er Page. 

1857. Nathaniel II. AVhecler. 

1858. Henry L. Burnham. 

1859. Charles Stinson. 

1860. Charles Stinson. 



• David Story first represented I>tiiibartoii, in a separate capacity, disconnected with 
r.ow, in 1793. 



APPENDIX. 267 

Selectmen of Dimharton from 1765 to 1860. 

1765. Rolwrt Hogg, William Stinsoti, Ebenerer Martin, Caleb Page, William 

Stark. 
J 766. John McCurdy, William Stinson, Jeremiah Page. 

1767. William Stark, Jeremiah Page, Ebenezer Martin. 

1768. Thomas Caldwell, Henry Putney, Jeremiah Page. 

1769. James Clement, Robert Hogg, Caleb Emery. 

1770. Robert Hogg, Jeremiah Page, John MeCurdy. 

1771. Jeremiah Page, William Stinson, Thomas Hoyt. 

1772. Jeremiah Page, William Stark, William Wheeler. 
177.3. William Stinson, Jeremiah Page, William Wheeler. 

1774. Abraliam Burnliam, Arehibald Stark, Ebenezer Haeket. 

1775. Robert Hogg, Nathan Burnliam, Jolin Hogg. 

1776. Jeremiah Pago, John Hogg, lOnoch Sargent. 

1777. Jeremiah Page, Samuel lUirnham, John Gould. 

1778. Samuel Burnliam, Jacob Green, Thomas Hovt. 

1779. David Story, John Hogg, William Wheeler.' 

1780. Jeremiah Page, John Cliurch, Ebenezer Haeket. 

1781. James Clement, ]<U)enezer Haeket, James McCalley. 

1782. David Story (declined ), James Hogg, Jeremiah Page, Ebenezer Haeket. 

1783. Robert Hogg, Nathan Burnliam, Thomas Hoyt, Ebenezer Haeket, chosen 

in place of Hoyt at the adjourned meeting. 

1784. Jeremiah Page, David Story, Benjamin Ring. 
1783. David Story, Jeremiah Page, Ebenezer Haeket. 

1786. Jeremiah Page, Daniel Story, I<]benezer Haeket, 

1787. John Fulton, Daniel Jameson, Samuel Hersey. 

1788. Jeremiah Page, Thonias Caldwell, Samuel Hersey. 

1789. Jeremiah Page, Asa Burnham, Ebenezer Haeket. 

1790. Moses Trussel, James Clement, libenezer Haeket. 

1791. Moses Trussel, William Tenney, Matthew S. MeCurdy. 

1792. Jeremiah Page, David Story, Matthew S. McCurdy. 

1793. Jeremiah Page, David Story, Ebenezer Haeket. 

1794. David Story, John Mills, William Brown. 
1795 Jeremiah Page, Asa Burnliam, William Brown. 

1796. Joseph Leach, John Stinson, Matthew S. McCurdy. 

1797. Joseph Leach, John Stinson, Matthew S. MeCurdv. 

1798. David Story, John Mills, William Brown. 

1739. William Stinson, Ebenezer Chase, William Brown. 

1800. Ebenezer Chase, William Stinson, Jr., William Brown. • 

1801. John Mills, Daniel Jameson, Matthew S. McCurdy. 

1802. John Mills William Stinson. John Gould, Jr. 
180.3. John Mills, John Stinson, John Gould, Jr. 
1804. John Mills, ,Iohn Stinson, John Gould, Jr. 
180.5. John Mills, John Stinson, John Gould, Jr. 

1806. John Mills, John Gould, Roliert Chase. . 

1807. John Mills, Robert Chase, John Gould. 

1808. John Mills, John Stinson, Matthew S. McCurdy. 

1809. Benjamin Marshall, John Stinson, John Baker. 

1810. John Mills, Daniel Jameson, John Baker. 

1811. John Mills, Daniel Jameson, John Gould. 

1812. John Mills, Daniel Jameson, Jjhn Gould. 

1813. John Mills, Daniel Jameson, John Gould. 

1814. John Mills, Daniel Jameson, John Gould. Mr. Jameson died in July, 

and John Stinson was chosen in his place. 

1815. John Mills, John Stinson, John Gould. 

1816. John Mills, John Gould, John Stinson. 

1817. John Mills, John Stinson, John Gould. 

1818. John Mills, John Stinson, John Gould. 

1819. John Mills, John Stinson, John Gould. 

1820. John Mills, John Stinson, Henry Moulton. 

1821. John Stinson, John Mills, Richard H. Ayer. 



268 



APPENDIX. 



1S22. James Allison, Jolin Stinson, Jolin Gould. 
1S2.*5. James Alli-on, Jolm Stinson, Jolin Gould. 
18-24. John Mills, Warren Story, Ehenezer P. Kimliail. 

1825. James Allison, Jolin Stinson, Kdward Gould. 

1826. James Allison, John Stinson, Edwnnl Gould. 

1827. Ehenezer J>;i;:e, John Stinson, Edward Gould. 

1828. liurnluMu Hunten, John Stinson, Edward Gould. 
1820. John Stinson, Jolin Gould, Caleb Pa^^e. 

18.'!(>. James Allison, Caleli Pa;zc, Silas Burnhani. 
18;il. James Allison, Silas Burnliam, Ehenezer P. Kirnhali. 
1832. JohiT Cavis. Silas Burnham, Elienezer P. Kiinhall. 
18.T). Ehenezer P. Kinihall. Silas liurnham, Joshua F. lloyt. 
18;J4. John Stinson, Joshua E. Hoyt, Henry Putney. 
18.'5o. Joshua E. Hoyt. Henry Putney, Warren I'erley. 

1836. Henry I'utney, Warren Perley, Jonathan Waite. 

1837. Warren Perley, Jonathan Waite, Silas Hurnham. 

1838. Warren Perley, Silas Burnham, Nathaniel Colby. 
1830. Sila-; Buriiliain, Nathanid Colby. Caleb Stark. 

1840. Warren JVrley, Henry I'uliiey, "Humphrey C. Perley. 

1841. Henry Putney, Humphrey C.l'erlev, ICliphalet K. Sargent. 

1842. Henry Putney, Humphrey C Perley, Daniel H. Parker. 

1843. Charles Holmes, Daniel H. Parker," Nathaniel H. Wheeler. 

1844. Nathan Gutterson, Daniel H. Parker, Nathaniel H. Wheeler. 
184.5. Nathan (Jutterson, Daniel H. Parker, Nathaniel H. Wheeler. 
1840. Nathan Gutterson, Nathaniel Colby, John Stinson, 3d. 

1847. John Stinson, 3d, Euke ]>aker, Thomas Johnson. 

1848. Thon)as Johnson, Warren Perley, Paltiah Brown. 

1849. Warren Perley, Paltiah Brown, Henry E. Burnhani. 
18.')0. J'altiah Brown, Henry L. Burnham, John C. Pay. 
18.')l. John C. Pay, John Burnham. Thomas J. Clitl'ord. 

1852. Henry L. Burnham, Nathaniel 11. Wheeler, C^harles (i. B. Ryder 
18.">3. Charles (i. B. Kyder, Charles Stinson, Samuel B. Hammond. 

1854. Nathaniel II. Wheeler, Leonard Powell, Benjamin Hovt. 

1855. Philij) C. Flanders, William B. Burnhani. Abel Preseott. 
I85C. Leonard Kowell, William B. Burnham. Edward P. Leaeli. 

1857. Leonard ]^)well, Daniel K. Davis, Lyman Woodbury. 

1858. Daniel K. Davis, Lyman Woodbury," John C. Mills." 

1859. Henry Putney, Daniel 11. Parker, Eliphalet U. Sargent. 

1860. Henry Putney, Daniel H. Parker, Eliphalet K. Sargent. 



CoUccfors end Cansffihlcs. 



1705. 


John MeCurdy. 




John Holmes, Tythingmnn. 


1700. 


Thomas Caldwell. 


1707. 


Thomas Mills. 


170S. 


John Stinson. 


1709. 


.John Holmes. 


1770. 


James C'lement. 


1771. 


I'hilip Wells. 


1 772. 


Pobert Hogg. 


1773. 


Hugh Jameson. 


1774. 


Israel Clitlbrd. f 


1775. 


William Page. 


1776. 


.John Giinld. 


1 777. 


James McCalley. 


1778. 


Arehibahi Stark". 



1779. .John Cliureh. Ca[)t. William 

Stinson was ehosen, but paid 
ft fine of .£3 for refusing to 
serve. 

1780. Samuel Allison. 

1781. Samuel Stewart. 

1782. .John Mills. 

1783. Thomas Hovt. 

1784. Amos Hadley. 

1785. .John Hogg. 

1786. Nathan Piiirnham. 

1787. David Siorv. 

1788. Stephen Aver. 

1789. Caleb Page. 

1790. Asa Burnliam. 



APPENDIX. 



269 



1791. Caleb Stark. 

1792. John .Jameson. 

1793. William Beard. 

1794. Thomas Mills. 
179."). Syinn;es Sawyer. 
179(). Klienezer Hacket. 

1797. Samuel Hersey. 

1798. John Church. 

1799. James Hog<r. 
1801). Jonathan Clifford. 

1801. William Brown. 

1802. John Bunten. 

1803. Jonatiian Clifford, until 
1805. Robert Holmes, until 

1807. Samuel Hersey. 

1808. Jonathan Clifford, until 

1813. Thomas Mills. 

1814. Mr. Mills paid $1.75 for the priv- 
. ilege. 

1815. Andrew Leach, until 

1817. Joiin Dodge. 

1818. William Brown. 

1819. Thomas Hammond. 



1820. Danie' Bailey. 

1821. Jonathan Clifford. 

1822. James Stinson, until 

1824. Jonathan Clifford. 

1825. Warren Perley, until 

1827. Kilburn Hoyt. 

1828. Koliert Jameson. 

1829. Jonathan Clifford, until 

1831. Joseph Mills. 

1832. Warren PcrLey, until 

1837. Humphrey C. Perley. 

1838. Thomas J. Clifford,'until 
1841. William Whipple, until 

1843. E. K. Poor. 

1844. Bradford Burnham, until 

1847. Paltiah Brown. 

1848. Thomas J. Clifford, until 
1851. John Burnham, until 

1859. Thomas J. Clifford. 

1860. Thomas J. Clifford.* 
1800. Hugh Jameson. 

Appointed June 9. 



Since this volume went to press the following names of soldiers from 
this town have been received. The list, however, is incomplete. 



Revolutionary Soldiers. 
John Mills, 
William Beard, 
William Holmes, 
James Stinson, 
Caleb Stark, 
John McPherson, 
Thomas Mills, 
Daniel MeCurdy, 
Alexander Hogg, 
Thomas Hoyt, 
John Dorman, 
Amos Barnes, 
John Morgan, 
Moses Heath, 
Nicholas Dodge, 
John Bunten, 
James MeCalley, 
Samuel Lord, 
Thomas Hammond, 
William Page, 
Jeremiah Bowen, 
Aaron Putney, 
George Hogg, 
Thomas George, 
Jonathan Smith, 
Benjamin Collins, 
John Blanchara. 



Soldiers of Ihe War of 1812-15. 
Thomas Ayer, 
Joseph Collins, 
John Miller, 
Benjamin Bailey, 
John Ayer, 
James Stark, 
Robert Sanborn, 
Ira Bailey, 
Jonathan Colby, 
John Babson. 

Soldiers drafted from the Militia in 
1812-15. 
Thomas Lord, 
Isaac Nichols, 
William Stark, 
James Stark, 
John ^Lishury, 
Luther Clement, 
Daniel Clement, 
Archibald Stinson, 
William Seaver, 
Stephen Palmer, 
Jacob Ayer, 
John Lord, 
Enoch Guile, 
Philip Kidder, 



* Tliomas J. Clifford died suddenly May 29, ISGO. aL'ed 59. 



270 



APPENDIX. 



Eleazcr Butters, 
Enoch Butters, 
Tliomas Clement, 
Daniel Clement. 

Elijah Xj. Harris served in the army, 
and in the marine corps on the peace 



establishment after the war of 1812- 
1815. 

Soldiers of the Mexican War. 
P'])hraim S. Clement. Jr., 
Benjamin Whipple, Jr.* 



OuK antiquarian friend, 'William F. Goodwin, Esq. (L. L. B.). has 
furiiislii'd a low receipts lor soldier.s' pay and bounties voted l>y the inhab- 
itants of this town, which we insert to exhibit tlieir jiatriotic cxertion.s 
and heavy expenses incurred in furnishing the town's quota for the conti- 
nental battalion. 

To Nicholas Gibnan, Es(j., TrcasKrcr and Receiver-General of and for 
i)ic Colon ji (if Neic-Jlamps/iire : The under-named are the ac'cts of the 
soldiers, that we committed to Air jMoses Colbv, one of the constables i'ur 



Dunbarton, in his list of rates, 
name. Said soldiers were in 
tinuo this yejir. 

Soldiers — Jeremiah Bowen, 
Aaron Putney, 
Allowed bv us, 



with each soldier's poll-tax affixed to his 
the continental service last year and con- 

IIOUKKT IIOGO, 1 o ; J v 7^ ; v 

, TT )■ belecAnten Of DiDibarton. 

John llo(iG, J 



Dimbarion, Ajrril ye 1'), 1777. This day received the sum of fifteen 
jiounds, lawful money, of Nathaniel Ilutchins, for the town of Dunbar- 
ton, to serve in the continental army for three years to come. 

I say ree'd pr me, Thomas George. 



May ye 5, 1777. This day rec'd of Jeremiah Page the sum of fifteen 
pounds, lawful money, for to serve in the continental army, for tb.e town 
of Dunbarton, for the term of three yeai's to come. 

1 say rec'd by me, Jonathan Smith. 

3Iarch ye 10, 1778. This may c'crtify to whom it may concern, that 1, 
George Hogg, of Dunbarton, luive received fifteen pounds, lawl'ul money, 
of Jacob (Jreen, in part of my hire for doing a two years' tin-n for the said 
town in the continental army, under Ca])t. Isathaniel Ilutchins. 



W'itnes: 



'•{ 



James Hogg, 
Levi Kelley. 



(iKOUGE IIoGG. 



March ye- 3-1, 1778. liec'd of Jacob Green the sum of three pounds, 
lawful money, which is in part of my hire for doing a two years' turn in 
tlie continental army for the town of Dunbarton. Geokge Hogg. 

Attest: Nathaniel HuTtiiiN.s. 



April ye 8, 1778. Rec'd of John Hogg, one of the committee to hire 
men for the continental service, the sum of twelve jiounds,»lawful money, 



• The two last named eerved in the regiment of Massachusetts volunteers. 



APPENDIX. . 271 

that my husband, Georpe Hogg, was to have for going into the conti- 
nental service for said town for two years. 

I say rec'd by nie, Maky IIoog. 

May ye 7, 1778. Rcc'd of John Hogg the sum of one pound ten shil- 
lings, it being in part pay for my husband, George Hogg, going into the 
continental service. I ?ay rec'd pr me, Mary Hogg. 



Dunhurion, June ye 13, 1778. Rcc"d of John Hogg the sum of one 
pound sixteen shillinga, lawful money. Said Hogg paid it by the order 
of Jacob Green, one of the selectmen of said town. 

llec'd pr me, Maky Hogg. 



Dcerhig, February ye Qth day, 1779. To the selectmen of Dunbarton ; 
Pray be so kind as to send by the bearer what is George Hogg's due from 
the town, to his wife, for she is in great need of it, and in so doing you 
will oblige me. Yours to serve, [indorsed.] Mary Hogg. 



Dunbarton, Febi-uary 7/e 19, 117'^. Ree'd of John Hogg, in behalf of 
the town of Dunbarton, the sum of twenty pounds ten shillings, lawful 
money, in full of the within. 

I say rec'd by me, Samuel Euston. 



March ye 14, 1778. Rec'd of John Hogg forty-five poinds in full for 
doing a three years' turn in the continental service for the town of Dun- 
barton. Benjamin Collins. 

March y^ 14, 1778. Received of Samuel Burnham aad Jolm Hogg 
fifty-seven pounds, and likewise rec'd of John Hogg nine pounds thirteen 
shillings and four pence, lawful money in cash, for n^y going into the 
continental service for Dunbarton for the term of two years. 

Amos Barnes. 



July yf 20, 1779. Received of John Hogg the sum of one hundred and 
ninety-five pounds, it being in full for six months that I am to serve in 
the continental service for the town of Dunbarton. 

I say rec'd by me, Nathaniel Martin. 

Received of David Story, John Hogg and "William "Wheeler, selectmen 
for Dunbarton, the sum of three hundred pounds, lawful money, and one 
pair of shoes, it being in full of my hire that I received of the town of 
Dunbarton for going for them into the continental service for one year. 
I say rec'd pr me, John Blanchard, 

Dated July ye 20, 1779. 

Received of David Story, one of the selectmen of Dunbarton, tlie sum 
of eighty-four pounds, it being the bounty and travel money I paid to 
Abel Hadley and William Wheeler, two soldiers that this day mustered 
for the town of Dunbarton, for six months' service in the defence of 
Rhode-Island. Rec'd pr me, Moses Kelley. 

Dated July ye 20, 1779. 



'272 Ari'ENDix. 

From the above certificates, wc ascertain the names of the following 
soldiers of the continental army : 

George Hogi;;, Amos Barnes, John Blanchard, Jonathan Smith, Na- 
tlian ^lartin, Benjamin Collins, Thomas Georye, Abel Iladley, Jeremiah 
Bowen, Aamn rulney, William ^Vheeler. 

RoBEKT Miller, of Dunbarton, a i)rivnte in the U. S. service, was, 
witli other soldiers, killed by the explosion of the mat^azine at Fort Con- 
stitntion, Portsmouth, July 4. On this occasion the severed leg of one of 
the unfortunate men was thrown a distance of several rods with such 
force as to break through a door of the liouse occupied bj' Colonel AVal- 
bacli, who commanded tiie garrison and tlie United States troops in that 
vicinitv. Our informant is J\lr. Tiiomas Lord, a veteran volunteer in the 
war of 1812-15. 



I.v another ])ortion of this work is an allu>iuii to tlie first satt--mill 
erected in tliis town, by General Stark, in 1700, wlu) was encouraged in 
the undertaking by a grant of land (one hundred acres) from tlie lord 
proprietors. 

To show the valu(> of timber in those days, we refer to a deposition of 
Deacon John Church, the oldest person except one who ever died in this 
town. He was U7, Mrs. Joseph Leach being 102. 

In reference to the mill above named, he stated in suljstance that Gen- 
eral Stark gave to himself and other settlers of the town permission to 
cut white pine timber on his (Stark's) land, to be sawed in his mill, for 
one half the lumber. Remnants of the noble trees of the primeval forest, 
felled in jairsuance of this free leave grant to his fellow-citizens by the 
General, are still visible. One while pine, then growing upon his land, 
measured ten feet in diameter. The remains of its stump are still to be 
seen. 



THK END. 



LH8D'?9 



014 013 634 7 



